The poetical remains of William Sidney Walker ... Edited with a memoir of the author by the Rev. J. Moultrie |
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STANZAS.
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 | The poetical remains of William Sidney Walker |  |
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STANZAS.
(WRITTEN IN AN ALBUM).
One day, as perch'd by Fanny's chair
I listen'd to her chat so blithe,
I turn'd my head, and who was there
But gruff old Time, with glass and scythe!
I listen'd to her chat so blithe,
I turn'd my head, and who was there
But gruff old Time, with glass and scythe!
He, when he saw me, nodded low
His single lock;—full well knows he
That poets are his lords below,
And therefore pays them courtesy.
His single lock;—full well knows he
That poets are his lords below,
And therefore pays them courtesy.
“And prithee,” said I with a bow,
“Old Haymaker, what dost thou here?
Art come to furrow o'er a brow
Thou hast not touch'd for many a-year?
“Old Haymaker, what dost thou here?
Art come to furrow o'er a brow
Thou hast not touch'd for many a-year?
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Beware! if to my cousin's eyes
Or cheeks thou dar'st do aught of wrong,
I'll disappoint thee of thy prize,
And shrine them in immortal song.”
Or cheeks thou dar'st do aught of wrong,
I'll disappoint thee of thy prize,
And shrine them in immortal song.”
The greybeard answer'd,—“'Tis, indeed,
A task I've oft in vain essay'd;
For they, who are my friends at need,
In this distress refuse their aid.
A task I've oft in vain essay'd;
For they, who are my friends at need,
In this distress refuse their aid.
Sickness, who wins me many breasts,
Assails this active nymph in vain;
And Care, my pioneer, protests
He can't find entrance to her brain.
Assails this active nymph in vain;
And Care, my pioneer, protests
He can't find entrance to her brain.
And yet I've often ventured near,
Attempting, in my stealthy way,
With my slow-working razor here,
To pilfer charm by charm away.
Attempting, in my stealthy way,
With my slow-working razor here,
To pilfer charm by charm away.
But when I view the simple grace
That crowns the dear provoking charmer,
Her cheerful smiles, and merry face,
I can't find in my heart to harm her!”
That crowns the dear provoking charmer,
Her cheerful smiles, and merry face,
I can't find in my heart to harm her!”
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