The Old Man's Comfort

The Old Man's Comfort

You are old, father William, the young man cried,

The few locks which are left you are gray;

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 remembered 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 you pass away;

And yet you lament not the days that are gone,

Now tell me the reason, I pray.

In the days of my youth father William replied,

I remember'd that youth could not last;

I thought of the future, whatever I did,

That I never might grieve for the past.

You are old, father William, the young man replied,

And life must be hastening away;

You are cheerful, and love to converse upon death -

Now tell me the reason, I pray.

I am cheerful, young man, father William replied;

Let the cause thy attention engage -

In the days of my youth I remember'd my God,

And he has not forgotten my age.

R. Southey, Esq. (Robert Southey)

1:50, p. 198

1828.03.07