Of His Pitiable Transformation

I who was young so long, Young and alert and gay, Now that my hair is grey, Begin to change my song.

Now I know right from wrong, Now I know pay and pray, I who was young so long, Young and alert and gay.

Now I follow the throng, Walk in the beaten way, Hear what the elders say, And own that I was wrong-- I who was young so long.

1876.