ON ACCIDENTALLY MEETING A LADY NOW NO MORE.

By William Lisle Bowles

When last we parted, thou wert young and fair —

How beautiful let fond remembrance say!

Alas! since then old Time has stol'n away

Nigh forty years, leaving my temples bare:—

So hath it perished, like a thing of air,

That dream of love and youth:— we now are gray;

Yet still remembering youth's enchanted way,

Though time has changed my look, and blanched my hair,

Though I remember one sad hour with pain,

And never thought, long as I yet might live,

And parted long, to hear that voice again;—

I can a sad, but cordial greeting, give,

And for thy welfare breathe as warm a prayer,

Lady, as when I loved thee young and fair!