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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


LINES WRITTEN BY AN AGED PERSON by ? DE GENLIS

First Line: WHEN OUR SHORT LIFE HAS NEARED THE END
Last Line: CAN ONLY TELL OF COMING SORROW.

( IN THE BOOK OF A FRIEND WHO WAS TO START IN A MONTH ON A
LONG JOURNEY)

WHEN our short life has neared the end,
How full of grief and bitterness
Is the departure of a friend,
And the last time his hand to press!
Ah, welladay! At Autumn's close
'Tis all in vain that heaven bestows
A few fine days, a little sun;
Too soon we know their course will run.
Joy, its chief power to please, from hope must borrow,
To have you now, but lose to-morrow;
Can only whisper to my loving heart
That happiness must soon depart;
Can only tell of coming sorrow.



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