“ I Would Not Have Thee Young
Again.”
I would not have thee young again1
Since I myself am old ;2
Not that thy youth was ever vain,3
Or that my age is cold ;4
But when upon thy gentle face5
I see the shades of time,6
A thousand memories replace7
The beauties of thy prime.8
Though from thine eyes of softest blue9
Some light hath passed away,10
Love looketh forth as warm and true11
As on our bridal day.12
I hear thy song, and though in part13
’Tis fainter in its tone,14
I heed it not, for still thy heart15
Seems singing to my own.16