Classic Poem

In buoyant youth we sing and dance,
Later we only sing,
Then fade the rainbows of romance,
Our cymbals cease to ring;
And we, like the enchanted Prince
All petrified below,
Lament the bright years vanished since
We tripped with nimble toe.

With kindred fancies, lovely friend,
So soon to brave the sea,
This minuet of the brain I send,
Too grave, I fear, for thee.
Alas! too old for dance or song
My feet and head repose,
But, sweet, my heart still beating strong
For thee with rapture glows.

And if there be a blissful land
Where friends hereafter meet,
I'll hail thee there, with beckoning hand,
On gaily bounding feet.
And in thine ear breathe couplets fair
To Gabriel's tuneful sway,
And both rejoice that we have there
No washing-bills to pay!