Classic Poem

Ever the spring returns with skies serene,
And balmy breath of infant buds and flowers;
Ever the hills renew their primal green,
And melodies that gladdened earth's first hours
And heard again in many a hazel screen.

Warm hearts turn cold, quick pulses cease to beat,
And love grows languid in the lapse of time;
But beauty still tempts youth's pursuing feet,
Bright eyes are endless themes for passioned rhyme,
And lovers' vows will be forever sweet.

Great souls have died for truth and left their fame
To be the watchword of another age;
But virtue, justice, courage, and high aim
Descend through time, a common heritage,
And heroes live to-day in all but name.

Years wax and wane, the good and true remain;
How sweet love is mine own heart telleth me.
Mine eyes have seen the summer in the plain,
And in the crowded street, unwittingly,
I may have passed a martyr in his pain.