Classic Poem

When years have passed, is't wise to meet again?
Body and Mind have changed; and is it wise
To take old Time, the Alterer, by surprise,
And see how he has worked in human grain?

We think that what once was, must still remain;
Ourself a ghost, we bid a ghost arise;
Two spectres look into each other's eyes,
And break the image that their hearts contain.

Mix not the Past and Present: let the Past
Remain in peace within its jewelled shrine,
And drag it not into the hum and glare;

Mix not two faces in the thoughts that last;
The one thou knewest, fair in every line,
And one unknown, which may be far from fair.