Retrospection

Retrospection

I love thee, long past time;

Thy memory is to me,

Sweet as the early village chime,

Slow wafted o'er the lea:-

I love to sit and muse

On thy fast fading hour -

And bless the gentle hope that strews

My closing path with flowers.

'Tis to unfold a page,

Enriched by many a year, -

To trace in lone and dreary age

Joy to youth's spring-time dear!

To bid the past restore

Gifts it once fondly gave, -

Friends, whom this heart shall clasp no more

And love, that's in the grave! -

Gay childhood I recal,

Bright in its beams and showers -

The bow, the bat, the wicket, all

That gladdened life's young hours!

And manhood's ripening years,

By dearer thoughts imprest;

When, first, a lover's hopes and fears

Throbbed in my glowing breast.

One angel form I see,

Lovely as tints of even:-

I hear the sigh, that gave to me

The fairest works of Heaven!

I look through many a year

Of bliss, of wedded love; -

Mary, forgive this starting tear,

Shall we not meet above? -

Thy beauty lingers still,

On many a shining brow;

Sweet as the beam on the purpled hill,

When all is shade below: -

Thy virtue still survives,

In many a stainless breast;

The mother in her offspring lives,

And, still, the sire is blest!

Unattributed

1:10, p. 40

1827.05.18