Recompense

Through day and dark our years go by, And youth is sweet with dreams that die; In winter’s wistful sunset gleams Like ghosts they haunt us from the dead; But Time, that took away my dreams, Has given me you instead.

Though youth must pass and none can say The hour it left him or the day, Though Time shall take our joys, in sooth, Who brings us joy again but He? And when he took away my youth He gave your love to me.