Classic Poem

1

I dreamed that, walking forth one summer's day
I chanced to meet old Time upon my way,
And, full of spleen,
Taxed him with mischief he had done
To me and thousands more beneath the sun
Plain to be seen.

2

" Blush, blush for shame", said I, " to view this face
Despoiled by thee! — Canst thou one line retrace
That erst was there?
I vow, ev'n I myself can scarce recall
It's heav'nly charm! — But I'm assured by all
Old friends that it was fair.

3

" Come, thou canst bring it forth again, I know,
In pristine bloom — once more, ere yet I go
Beneath the sod,
Present me to myself in finest feather
Of youth and health, — as when the mountain heather I lightly trod".

4

Time seemed not all unwilling to comply:
Bade me look forth, and I should soon enjoy
An apparition.
I looked: like morn slow-kindling in the skies
A dawn of rosy cheeks and sunny eyes
Enriched my vision.

5

Cried I, " This is the strangest thing on earth.
Two faces here I see — both full of mirth,
And one much bolder
And broader too, like piony dispread,
Than mine, when wreathed in curls and garlanded,
I looked no older".

6

My children's faces! Time, I did thee wrong
Thou'st made me doubly blooming glad and strong! —
Let my light wane —
Since stars new-ris'n my downward path are cheering
And for one radiance, now fast disappearing,
Thou giv'st me twain.