English poem
To George Arthur Greene
by Lionel Johnson (1867–1902)
The burden of the long gone years: the weight, The lifeless weight, of miserable things Done long ago, not done with: the live stings Left by old joys, follies provoking fate, Showing their sad side, when it is too late: Dread burden, that remorseless knowledge brings To men, remorseful! But the burden clings: And that remorse declares that bitter state.
Wisdom of ages! Wisdom of old age! Written, and spoken of, and prophesied, The common record of humanity! Oh, vain! The springtime is our heritage First, and the sunlight on the flowing tide: Then, that old truth's confirming misery.