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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

YOUTH AND AGE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Tell me, what's love? Said youth, one day
Alternate Author Name(s): Little, Thomas


Tell me, what's Love?" said Youth, one day,
To drooping Age, who crest his way.--
It is a sunny hour of play,
For which repentance dear doth pay;
Repentance! Repentance!
And this is Love, as wise men say.
Tell me, what's Love? said Youth once more,
Fearful, yet fond, of Age's lore.--
Soft as a passing summer's wind,
Wouldst know the blight it leaves behind?
Repentance! Repentance!
And this is Love--when love is o'er.


Tell me, what's Love? said Youth again,
Trusting the bliss, but not the pain.
Sweet as a May tree's scented air--
Mark ye what bitter fruit 'twill bear,
Repentance! Repentance!
This, this is Love--sweet Youth, beware.


Just then, young Love himself came by,
And cast on Youth a smiling eye;
Who could resist that glance's ray?
In vain did Age his warning say,
Repentance! Repentance!
Youth laughing went with Love away.






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