Classic Poem

Hope , the great explorer,
Love, whom none can bind,
Youth that looks before her,
Age that looks behind,
Joy with brow like Summer's,
Care with wintry pate —
Masquers all and mummers,
Miming before Fate!

Power with narrow forehead,
Wealth with niggard palm,
Wisdom old, whose hoar head
Vaunts a barren calm;
Haughty overcomers,
In their pomp and state —
Masquers all and mummers,
Round Death's Gate!