^,86 CONSOLATIONS OF SOLITUDE
Thou sawest the flowers of youth decay, Half dried and withered through excess,
Till, nursed by virtue's milder ray, Thy green age grew to fruitfulness.
Thou sawest life's barque on troubled seas Long tossed ; care's clouds thy skies o'ercast ;
But calm content, with moderate breeze, Brought thee to wisdom's port at last.
Life's evening, wherein most behold Their season of regrets and fears.
Became for thee an age of gold.
And gave thee all thy happiest years.
As gentle airs and genial sun
Stay winter's march when leaves grow sere, And, when the summer's race is run,
With a new summer crown the year ;
So temperance, like that lingering glow
Which makes the October woods so bright.
Did on thy vale of years bestow A glorious autumn of delight.
What useful lessons might our race From thy so sage experience draw !
Earth might become a joyous place. Would man but reverence nature's law.
Soar folly, self, and sense above ;
Govern each mutinous desire ; Nor let the sacred flame of love
In passion's hurricane expire.
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