Vigil and vision :: :: University of Virginia Library

WHEN all the world was young and fair,
When all earth's rills ran honey-dew
And all the firmament was blue,
In Eden we together were.
Two lovers on youth's golden stair,
Love's only sweets, indeed, we knew
And nothing of his bitter brew,
Nor ever heard the name of care.
Yet fair and young art thou to-day:
Upon me from the canvas there,
With thy red lips and artless air,
Thou look'st as if the world should ne'er
Grow old nor youth should pass away;
And I, alack! my head is gray.