And I can bow as once I bowed
When all was well with me.”
And now farewell to Rhyme! and welcome Reason!
’Tis past—my early manhood’s pleasant season;
If morning dreams, that visit our closed eyes,
Changed, when we wake to Life’s realities,
I might become a Soldier of renown,
Or wear a Preacher’s or a Teacher’s gown;
For all three in my dreams since rose the sun,
Have sought to make me their adopted one,
Destined to run the race that each has run;
But my Ambition’s leaves no more are green,
In one brief month my age will be Fifteen.
I’ve seen the world, and by the world been seen,
And now am speeding fast upon the way
To the calm, quiet evening of my day;
There but remains one promise to fulfil,
I bow myself obedient to its will,
And am prepared to settle down in life
By wooing—winning—wedding A Rich Wife.
