Youth and Age

FOND Youth and Age met face to face,And each the other doubted sore.Age mourned: "Your follies grow apaceMore dangerous than of yore.

"Old standards trampled in the dust,Where you are wending who can tell?"Youth, wondering, smiled, at his distrust,And answered: "Nay; all's well!—

"Your day gone by, why fear that IShall lack the strength for mine own hour?Each new demand of destinyBrings with it a new power.

"For you the past: for me the Now—The wonder-working Now divine!A weight too heavy for your browThe Fates transfer to mine."

Age, out of heart, impatient, sighed:—"I ask what will the Future be?"Youth laughed contentedly, and cried:—"The future leave to me!"