I have grown old, awaiting spring's return,

And, now spring comes, I stand like winter grey

In a young world; yet warm within me burn

The morning-fires Love kindled in youth's day.

I have grown old; the young folk look on me

With sighs, and wonder that I once was fair,

And whisper one another: "Is this she?

Did summer ever light that winter hair?

"Ah, she is old; yet, she, too, once was young:

Yea, loved as we love even, for men tell