Classic Poem

You from Givenchy, since no years can harden
— The beautiful dead, when holy twilight reaches
— The sleeping cedar and the copper beeches,
Return to walk again in Wadham Garden.
We, growing old, grow stranger to the College,
— Symbol of youth, where we were young together,
— But you, beyond the reach of time and weather,
Of youth in death forever keep the knowledge.
We hoard our youth, we hoard our youth, and fear it,
— But you, who freely gave what we have hoarded,
— Are with the final goal of youth rewarded —
The road to travel and the traveler's spirit.
And therefore, when for us the stars go down,
Your star is steady over Oxford Town.