Beauties of the mind, a poetical sketch With lays, historical and romantic. By Charles Swain |
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TRUTH, YOUTH, AND AGE. |
 | Beauties of the mind, a poetical sketch |  |
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TRUTH, YOUTH, AND AGE.
TRUTH.
What is Immortality?YOUTH.
It is the glory of the mind,The deathless voice of ancient Time;
The light of genius—pure—refined!—
The monument of deeds sublime!—
O'er the cold ashes of the dead
It breathes a grandeur and a power,
Which shine when countless years have fled,
Magnificent as the first hour!
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TRUTH.
What is Immortality?AGE.
Ask it of the gloomy waves,Of the old forgotten graves,
Whereof not one stone remains;
Ask it of the ruined fanes,
Temples that have passed away,
Leaving not a wreck to say—
Here an empire once hath stood!
Ask it in thy solitude,
Of thy solemn musing mind,
And, too truly, wilt thou find
Earthly immortality
Is a splendid mockery!
| Beauties of the mind, a poetical sketch | |