Classic Poem

if it be kindness, God, be kind
To her tall fragrant form and mind
And leave her in this world of ours
Unageing as she is in yours;
And let not Time's contagion blur
The image of your dream in her.

Little enough we have we know
Of love in Life to lead us through
And Loveliness is on the wing:
Leave the wild cherry with the Spring
In spangling showers to tremble away;
But of your grace preserve the clay.