Classic Poem

Were there then roses once
On earth and violets bright?
Did the sun give warmth and light
From a smiling Heaven above?

Was there a golden Time
When all the world was young,
When youth and maiden sung
Of Valour, Faith, and Love?

Perchance such times there were,
Old poets have it so;
But that was long ago,
And no sun shines to-day.

And these unlovely fogs
By winter round me curled
Are the ashes of a world
That hath long since passed away.