Page:Metrical tales and other poems .. (IA metricaltalesoth00soutrich).pdf/183

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171

Avon! I gaze and know
The wisdom emblemed in thy varying way;
It speaks of human joys that rise so slow,
So rapidly decay.

Kingdoms that long have stood
And slow to strength and power attain'd at last,
Thus from the summit of high fortune's flood
Ebb to their ruin fast.

So tardily appears
The course of time to manhood's envied stage;
Alas! how hurryingly the ebbing years
Then hasten to old age!