Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE MEMORY OF THE PAST, by JOHN LEYDEN


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE MEMORY OF THE PAST, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Alas, that fancy's pencil still portrays
Last Line: Why should you strive to blast the present joy?
Subject(s): Past


ALAS, that fancy's pencil still portrays
A fairer scene than ever nature drew!
Alas, that ne'er to reason's placid view
Arise the charms of youth's delusive days!
For still the memory of our tender years,
By contrast vain, impairs our present joys;
Of greener fields we dream and purer skies,
And softer tints than ever nature wears. --
Lo! now, to fancy, Teviot's vale appears
Adorn'd with flowers of more enchanting hue
And fairer bloom than ever Eden knew,
With all the charms that infancy endears.
Dearscenes! which grateful memory still employ,
Why should you strive to blast the present joy?





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