The strong man's hand, the snow-cool head of age, br The certain-footed sympathies of youth - br These, and that lofty passion after truth, br Hunger unsatisfied in priest or sage br Or the great men of former years, he needs br That not unworthily would dare to sing br (Hard task!) black care's inevitable ring br Settling with years upon the heart that feeds br Incessantly on glory. Year by year br The narrowing toil grows closer round his feet; br With disenchanting touch rude-handed time br The unlovely web discloses, and strange fear br Leads him at last to eld's inclement seat, br The bitter north of life - a frozen clime.