FOR him who must see many years, I praise the life which slips away Out of the light and mutely; which avoids Fame, and her less fair followers, envy, strife, Stupid detraction, jealousy, cabal, Insincere praises; which descends The quiet mossy track to age. But, when immature death Beckons too early the guest From the half-tried banquet of life, Young, in the bloom of his days; Leaves no leisure to press, Slow and surely, the sweets Of a tranquil life in the shade; Fuller for him be the hours! Give him emotion, though pain! Let him live, let him feel: I have lived! Heap up his moments with life, Triple his pulses with fame! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE MOTHER'S HOPE by SAMUEL LAMAN BLANCHARD MORTAL COMBAT by MARY ELIZABETH COLERIDGE THE CASTLE OF CHILLON by LETITIA ELIZABETH LANDON KEATS (1) by LIZETTE WOODWORTH REESE SHUT OUT by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI ADONAIS; AN ELEGY ON THE DEATH OF JOHN KEATS by PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY THE SHEPHEARDES CALENDER: JUNE by EDMUND SPENSER PETER STUYVESANT'S NEW YEAR'S CALL, 1 JAN. 1661 by EDMUND CLARENCE STEDMAN |