YOUTH

What do they know of youth, who still are young?

They but the singers of a golden song

Who may not guess its worth or wonder—flung

Like largesse to the throng.

We only,—young no longer,—old so long

Before its harmonies, stand marvelling—

Oh! we who listen—never they who sing.

Not for itself is beauty, but for us

Who gaze upon it with all reverent eyes;