Eternal Youth

Looking in thine eyes of azure, Looking on thy hair of gold, Once I wished, Evangelina, That there were no growing old.

For I thought of how thy sweet eyes Would grow dim with tears and care; How the years would turn to silver All thy wealth of golden hair.

How the lines of life would gather O'er the face so placid now; Traces of its toil and struggle Touching lip and cheek and brow.

This I thought, and wished the shadows Might not lengthen o'er thy way; Wished there were no time but spring-time, Were no evening of the day.

Now I fear, Evangelina, That my wish was half a prayer, That the listening Father heard me, That thou liest, an answer, there.

For thou liest in thy beauty,-- Eyes of blue and hair of gold, Lip and cheek and brow of marble, Folded fingers, still and cold;-- O my angel, God hath called thee Where there is no growing old.