University of Virginia Library

YOUTH AND AGE

I like your book, my boy,
'T is full of youth and joy,
And love that sings and dreams.
Yet it puzzles me,” he said;
“A string of pearls it seems,
But I cannot find the thread.”
“O friend of olden days!
Dear to me is your praise,
But, many and many a year
You must go back, I fear;
You must journey back,” I said,
“To find that golden thread!”