Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TEMPORA MUTANTUR, by JOHN GODFREY SAXE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TEMPORA MUTANTUR, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The times are changed!' long, long ago
Last Line: O tempora mutantur!
Subject(s): Transience; Impermanence


"THE times are changed!" long, long ago,
A Roman graybeard sighed;
"And still, as seasons wax and wane,
We change with time and tide."
And I (alas! that I must own
My locks are growing scanter!)
In pensive retrospect repeat,
O tempora mutantur!

Where now are all the village belles
I sonneteered of yore?
Gone, -- with the fashion of the boots
And bonnets which they wore;
Their dimpled cheeks are wrinkled now,
And Time -- the Disenchanter!
Has dimmed the eyes that dazzled mine, --
O tempora mutantur!

Oh how we raved of constancy,
Melinda May and I!
I've quite forgotten which was first
To break the tender tie;
I know that I survived the shock,
(Though sworn to die instanter!)
And 'Linda lived -- to love again, --
O tempora mutantur!

Good Dr. Proser, where is he?
Whose logic clear and strong
The vestry praised, -- nor ever deemed
The sermon over-long,
Until they heard, and quite preferred
The Reverend Rousing Ranter;
To whom succeeded Parson Prim, --
O tempora mutantur!

Yes, times are changed; but one can dine,
And Mag's the best of cooks.
"No dinner?" John! "Sir, if you please,
Mag's gone to 'go for Snooks'!"
And wife? "She's gone along with Mag."
John! bring me that decanter! --
By Jove! I'll go and vote for Jones!
O tempora mutantur!





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