Young Maids & Old China Verses by F. W. Bourdillon. Pictures by J. G. Sowerby |
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[“China old and maidens young”—] |
 | Young Maids & Old China |  |
[“China old and maidens young”—]
“China old and maidens young”—Theme by poets yet unsung!
“Maidens young and china old”—
Tale by novelists untold!
Of Chelsea monsters who could hope
To paint the raptures after Pope?
Who turn a rhyme like Andrew Lang,
On Fi-fo-fum and Ching-Chung-Chang?
And, after Allingham, what tongue
Would dare converse of maidens young?
Yet, when we couple youth with age,
A double glory fills the page;
And, would you see the flash of truth,
Against dull age set lightsome youth.
Old China!—that's a heritage
Bequeathed to youth by thrifty age;—
Age that has toiled to win the treasure,
But to enjoy it has no leisure.
Young maidens!—what care they for pelf?
Tea tastes as sweet in common delf.
Youth that enjoys, but never knows
When the joy comes or how it goes.
O happy maiden, not to know!
And happy age, to leave it so!
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