English poem
ON THE REGRET OF YOUTH.
by Matilda Betham (1836–1919)
Before a rose is fully blown, The outward leaves announce decay; So, ere the spring of Youth is flown, Its tiny pleasures die away;
The gay security we feel, The careless soul's delighted rest, That lively hope, that ardent zeal, And smiling sunshine of the breast.
Those simple tints, so bright and clear, No healing dew-drops can restore; For joys, which early life endear, Once blighted, can revive no more.
Yet lovely is the full-blown rose, Although its infant graces fly; The various opening leaves disclose, A fairer banquet to the eye;
A ruby's beams on drifted snow, Such pure, harmonious blushes shed; If distant, cast a tender glow, But near, its own imperial red;
The form assumes a prouder air, And bends more graceful in the gale; While, from its cup, of essence rare, A richer hoard of sweets exhale.
Could we again, by fancy led, That bower of swelling leaves confine, And round that fine, luxuriant head, The mossy tendrils now entwine,
Over what multitudes of bloom Would a few timid leaflets close! What mental joys resign their room, To causeless mirth, and tame repose!
The change to Reason's steady eye, Would neither good nor wise appear; And we may lay one precept by, Our discontent is insincere.