Thy beauty fades and with it too my love, br For 'twas the self-same stalk that bore its flower; br Soft fell the rain, and breaking from above br The sun looked out upon our nuptial hour; br And I had thought forever by thy side br With bursting buds of hope in youth to dwell, br But one by one Time strewed thy petals wide, br And every hope's wan look a grief can tell: br For I had thoughtless lived beneath his sway, br Who like a tyrant dealeth with us all, br Crowning each rose, though rooted on decay, br With charms that shall the spirit's love enthral, br And for a season turn the soul's pure eyes br From virtue's changeless bloom that time and death defies.