Page:Metrical tales and other poems .. (IA metricaltalesoth00soutrich).pdf/180

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168

The OLD MAN'S COMFORTS.

And how he gained them.



You are old, Father William, the young man cried,
⁠The few locks which are left you are grey;
You are hale, Father William, a hearty old man,
⁠Now tell me the reason I pray.

In the days of my youth, Father William replied,
⁠:I remember'd that youth would fly fast,
And abused not my health and my vigour at first
⁠:That I never might need them at last.

You are old, Father William, the young man cried,
⁠:And pleasures with youth pass away,
And yet you lament not the days that are gone,
⁠:Now tell me the reason I pray.