The lowering portal of the old church door—
"Would'st have a friend?—Would'st know what friend is best?
Have God thy friend: He passeth all the rest."
So older—older—older, year by year,
The boy has grown, that now, an old man here,
He seems a part of Allegory, where
He stands before Life as the old print there—
Still awed, and marvelling what light must be
Hid by the door that bars Futurity;—
Though ever clearer than with eyes of youth,