Page:Home; or, The unlost paradise (IA homeorunlostpara00palm).pdf/107

Quicken the scattered seed, and in its time
Reward the sower with the reaper's joy.
Around the new-made Home his tasteful hand
New beauties shall create. Well pleased his ear
Shall note the voices, echoing far, of flocks
And herds that 'mid abundance graze content;
Nor need he envy here the city's din
As glide, in healthful toil, the peaceful years.

  Ah! Time, at once giver and robber thou!
Ere life hath reached its noon, each year beholds
Some gift possessed made richer, or some grace,
Some power, or pleasure, all anew bestowed.
But high noon passed, each year shall filch away
Somewhat of beauty's charm, of manhood's strength,
Of lustre from the eye, and from the ear
Of quickness to perceive the subtile thrill.
Thou stealest from the agile limb and step,
Elastic beyond art, the lithesome spring;
From golden locks, or raven, their bright hues
Thou plunderest silently, till all are gone;