Classic Poem

Youth is sacred! youth-endued,
Enter we the Temple-halls,
Where in dusky solitude,
Echoing loud, the footstep falls.
Noblest resolutions should
Bright in youthful bosoms burn;
Each in sober thoughtful mood
All his sacred strength should learn.

Go we forth o'er fields to roam
Proudly spread beneath the skies,
Which, in an o'er-arching dome,
O'er the gifts of spring-time rise.
Buds and blossoms soon shall bring
Fruitage in abundant store;
Sacred is the time of spring,
Youth should con its lessons o'er.

Seize the cup while Pleasure reigns,
See how gleams the purple wine,
Blood from lavish Nature's veins!
Drain we then the draught divine!
Let the sacred strength of wine
With the strength of manhood blend;
Sacred is the cheering vine,
Youthful fancy's genial friend.

See yon maiden hither come!
She in sport unfolds her power;
Soft desires within her bloom,
Sweet and tender feelings flower.
She who grows in sunny gleam
Gives us strength when tempests blow;
Sacred should the maiden seem,
'Tis for her we riper grow.

Enter then youth's fane divine,
Feed on thoughts of high emprise;
Gather strength from spring, from wine,
Sun yourselves in beauty's eyes.
Youth, and Spring, and festive bowls,
Maiden in her beauty's pride
To our earnest, youthful souls
All alike be sanctified!