Classic Poem

Youth and Old Age went out one day,
Upon a stroll together,
But had not long began to stray,
Ere heaven changed the weather.
So, swift they knock'd at Friendship's gate,
And she came out that minute,
And hop'd she had not made them wait;
But Love, who was within it,
Had long been trying to persuade
A girl of beauteous feature,
That Love and Friendship could not fade,
And were the self-same creature.

The girl saw Age as he came in,
And fearing he might scorn her,
Plac'd Love her apron folds within,
And sought a shady corner.
Then Youth and Age together drink;
But scarce had Youth his duty
To Friendship gave, when, sad to think,
The boy discern'd the beauty.

Such eyes, such cheeks, such lips of flame,
Oh! not for worlds he'd miss her,
He longs to ask the damsel's name,
And longs (oh, shame!) to kiss her.
Age's mind was woke from its repose,
And he look'd black as thunder,
And clapp'd his glasses on his nose,
To view this earthly wonder;
And said, no wondrous lips to kiss
He saw, he could not view them;
His glasses they were right, — and this
One time, Youth might look through them.

Now Youth the glasses took with pride,
And said he did not doubt them,
But 'twas a thing he often tried,
And still saw best without them.
Then Age got in a furious rage,
But Friendship breath'd her sweetest sighs,
And whisper'd in the ears of Age,
" Youth never sees with Age's eyes. "