Classic Poem

What shall we say when we two meet again?
And shall we meet in gladness or with tears?
Shall we compare the ravage of the years,
The deepening wrinkle and the slower brain?
Or shall we grasp the tardy boon and drain
The few last drops that linger in the cup,
And think how proudly once we filled it up
With hope and love? — in vain, in vain, in vain!

Or shall we reckon gain with loss, and make
Nice count with Time of all he gave and took?
I think that I will take your hand, and look
My dear one in the eyes, nor smile nor weep;
Oh! what the years have taken let them keep;
The best of all they neither give nor take.