University of Virginia Library


63

Resignation

Days of my youth! Ye have glided away;
Locks of my youth! Ye are frosted and gray;
Eyes of my youth! Your keen sight is no more;
Cheeks of my youth! Ye are furrowed all o'er;
Strength of my youth! All your vigor is gone;
Thoughts of my youth! Your gay visions are flown!
Days of my youth, I wish not your recall;
Locks of my youth, I'm content ye shall fall;
Eyes of my youth, ye much evil have seen;
Cheeks of my youth, bathed in tears have ye been;
Thoughts of my youth, ye have led me astray;
Strength of my youth; why lament your decay!
Days of my age! Ye will shortly be past;
Pains of my age, but a while can ye last;
Joys of my age, in true wisdom delight;
Eyes of my age, be religion your light;
Thoughts of my age, dread ye not the cold sod;
Hopes of my age, be ye fixed on your God!
Mar. 21, 1807