The Collected Poems of Lord De Tabley [i.e. J. B. L. Warren] |
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HE MAY WHO CAN |
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 | The Collected Poems of Lord De Tabley |  |
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HE MAY WHO CAN
We are wise, the world is old,
Antic changes shift and hold.
Boys will swear, and maids will weep,
Weep and smile again.
Antic changes shift and hold.
Boys will swear, and maids will weep,
Weep and smile again.
Songs are for an April breast,
Feathers for a gleaming crest.
They may wake that need no sleep,
Sing, that feel no pain.
Feathers for a gleaming crest.
They may wake that need no sleep,
Sing, that feel no pain.
In a race young limbs are fleetest,
Boyhood's mouth can kiss the sweetest.
Palsy cheek and head of grey,
Mope beside thy fire.
Boyhood's mouth can kiss the sweetest.
Palsy cheek and head of grey,
Mope beside thy fire.
Changes push us on our grave;
Can we keep the orts we have?
Ours is but a waning day,
What should we desire?
Can we keep the orts we have?
Ours is but a waning day,
What should we desire?
| The Collected Poems of Lord De Tabley | |