XXVI. And where two haughty maidens used to be, In pride of plume, where plumy Death had trod, Trailing their gorgeous velvets wantonly, Most unmeet pall, over the holy sod ; There, gentle stranger, thou may'st only see Two sombre Peacocks. -Age, with sapient nod Marking the spot, still tarries to declare How they once lived, and wherefore they are there. A RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW. OH, when I was a tiny boy My days and nights were full of joy, No wonder that I sometimes sigh, To cast a look behind! A hoop was an eternal round Of pleasure. In those days I found A top a joyous thing; But now those past delights I drop, My head, alas! is all my top, And careful thoughts the string! |