University of Virginia Library


25

IN YEARS TO COME.

The years to come may sweep away
What now we prize, and turn to grey
This curly dark brown hair,
The years may dim these ardent eyes
And turn to tender memories
These moments that seem fair.
Yet, if they leave me still your kiss,
All else they steal I shall not miss,
And folded in your arms
The voice I love will sound as sweet
As now, whilst kneeling at my feet
You praise my youthful charms!
Our eyes may be too tired to read,
But book or pen we shall not need,
Since, echoing in each breast,
Will linger still the tender truth,
The history that in our youth
We used to love the best!

26

Then bless these moments ere they fade
(For, Curly Head, this song is made
For you and only you!)
And whilst your heart is young and light,
And whilst your hair is brown and bright,
And whilst your eyes are blue,
Lay up a store for future hours
Of fleeting love's departing flow'rs
Which I will treasure too!