Life and Phantasy by William Allingham: With frontispiece by Sir John E. Millais: A design by Arthur H. Hughes and a song for voice and piano forte |
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 | Life and Phantasy |  |
155
[When I was young and fresh and gay]
When I was young and fresh and gay,
Full moody oft I went;
The troubles of the passing day
So wrought me discontent;
Full moody oft I went;
The troubles of the passing day
So wrought me discontent;
Those flaws and fallings-short in life
Which every one must bear,
Oppressions, hints to rebel strife,
Enormous wrongs they were;
Which every one must bear,
Oppressions, hints to rebel strife,
Enormous wrongs they were;
Whatever man could have or be,
Nay, every fancied boon,
Belong'd, I thought, as much to me
As share of sun and moon!
Nay, every fancied boon,
Belong'd, I thought, as much to me
As share of sun and moon!
Whom Eden could not satisfy
Is grateful for a flow'r;
Who wanted earth and sea and sky
Loves most a quiet hour;
Is grateful for a flow'r;
Who wanted earth and sea and sky
Loves most a quiet hour;
To run safe through this earthly lease,
Be kindly with one's kind,
Enjoy a little, part in peace,
Were rare good luck, I find.
Be kindly with one's kind,
Enjoy a little, part in peace,
Were rare good luck, I find.
| Life and Phantasy | |