The Poetical Works of George Barlow In Ten [Eleven] Volumes |
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 | The Poetical Works of George Barlow |  |
55
XXIII. LIFE'S LAST GIFT
A thousand gifts life brings us,
And some are passing fair:
What perfect flowers it flings us
When June's breath scents the air!
Yes, Life begins with pleasure:
The year begins with glee;
With golden blossom-treasure
And stormless azure sea.
And some are passing fair:
What perfect flowers it flings us
When June's breath scents the air!
Yes, Life begins with pleasure:
The year begins with glee;
With golden blossom-treasure
And stormless azure sea.
Then how the prospect darkens:—
Hearts fail us, and betray;
Death glides amid our loved ones,—
Steals one by one away:
Life, which began in glory,
Grows sombre towards its close,
For old age chills our pleasures
As autumn chills the rose.
Hearts fail us, and betray;
Death glides amid our loved ones,—
Steals one by one away:
Life, which began in glory,
Grows sombre towards its close,
For old age chills our pleasures
As autumn chills the rose.
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But one thing life will bring us
In autumn days and cold:
October's lips can tell us
What August never told.
Life's latest gift is fairer
In that all past gifts cease;
Life's last gift is supremest,
For life's last gift is peace.
In autumn days and cold:
October's lips can tell us
What August never told.
Life's latest gift is fairer
In that all past gifts cease;
Life's last gift is supremest,
For life's last gift is peace.
| The Poetical Works of George Barlow | |