Classic Poem

On a frail old Couple, apparently poor.

How altered now! since first ye made
Your glowing soul-devoted vow,
Within some Arbour's mantling shade,
When youth sate on your brow.

How altered now! your forms are bent,
Your sprightly limbs are shattered too;
And life's warm throb is nearly spent, —
The grave seems fit for you.

How altered now! where are those rays
Of hope, which once illumed the eye;
When sporting in love's sunny days,
Beneath a brighter sky.

And where are all those friends so dear,
That cheered you in the halcyon hour; —
When all, that now contains a tear,
Wore then a flower.

Ah! 'tis a sad reflection this,
For cheerless pining souls like yours;
That can partake of little bliss,
While life endures.

Yet weep not, frown not, soon you must
Lay down your time-worn frames away;
To mingle with their kindred dust, —
Cold clay to clay.

But, then, your souls may soar to heaven
Divested of their earthly load;
— Whene'er those rending cords are riven —
And dwell with God.