Oft on your pathway lingers,
I'd hide my treasures, if I might,
From contact with your fingers.

You are the loyal friend of Truth,
Go seek her, make her stronger,
And leave the remnant of my youth
To me a little longer.
There's work enough for you before
Eternity shall wed you:
Why stoop to steal my simple store?
Why make me shun and dread you?

You do not need my joys, I say,
Home, love, and friends united -
I beg you turn and go the way
Where wrong waits to be righted;
Or pause, and let us chat a while:
I'll listen--not too near you,
For oh! no matter how you smile,
I fear you, Time, I fear you!



REGRET AND REMORSE



Regret with streaming eyes doth seem alway
A maiden widowed on her wedding day.