Such is dark Manhood’s prime,
From whose high nature all of Heaven has past,
Whose once pure mould is deeply dyed with crime;
Bound down with fetters fast:
Gone, gone is all of holiness and worth,
And what remains is naught indeed but earth.
III.
‘Ashes to ashes?’ Yes!
Let it be thus with those whom age has chilled,
Whose life is but the dying ember’s glow—