The Old Century Speaks

By you, Hope stands. With me, Experience walks. Like a fair jewel in a faded box, In my tear-rusted heart, sweet Pity lies. For all the dreams that look forth from your eyes, And those bright-hued ambitions, which I know Must fall like leaves and perish, in Time’s snow, (Even as my soul’s garden stands bereft,) I give you pity! ’tis the one gift left.