II

But there are men who, in the time of age, Sometimes remember all that age forgets: The early hope, the hardly compassed wage, The change of corn, and snow, and violets; They are glad of praise; they know this morning brings As true a song as any yesterday; Their labour still is set to many things, They cry their questions out along the way. They give as who may gladly take again Some gift at need; they move with gallant ease Among all eager companies of men; And never signed of age are such as these. They speak with youth, and never speak amiss; Of such are you; and what is youth but this?