Now

TAKE as you will, slake, solace, and possess While Youth, with laughter, scatters tears that fall Sudden and shaken sometimes at your call; Pledge me in passion and in gentleness,-- In praise and prayer, I would not give you less, Be less unconquerably true in all, Take my young kisses,--my young spirit's thrall, Forbid not Now's imperishable "Yes"! When I am old, and cold, and wise, and grown As far beyond as you outstrip me now,-- Nor plead, nor pant, nor challenge nor protest; Oh, come not then, all these years less your own; Too old to love, too wise to heed your vow, Too cold to feel your cold hand upon my breast.