Classic Poem

O FLOWER-LIKE years of youth,
Delay, delay!
Old Time shall soon, forsooth,
December make of May.
Bid him away!

O flower-like years of youth,
Oh, stay; oh, stay!
Nor covet Age uncouth,
When all is warm and gay
For you to-day.

O flower-like years of youth,
Delay, delay!
Let others seek for Truth;
Yours is the time for play
And dance of fay.

O flower-like years of youth,
Oh, stay; oh, stay!
Time with remorseless tooth
Shall gnaw your bloom away;
Then say him nay.

O flower-like years of youth,
Delay, delay!
Age knows for you no ruth;
Then, till your latest day,
Hold him at bay.