YOUTH AND AGE
Youth hath many charms,—
Hath many joys, and much delight;
Even its doubts, and vague alarms,
By contrast make it bright:
And yet—and yet—forsooth,
I love Age as well as Youth!
Well, since I love them both,
The good of both I will combine,—
In women, I will look for Youth,
And look for Age, in wine:
And then—and then—I'll bless
This twain that gives me happiness!
George Arnold [1834-1865]