Poems (Betham)/Retrospect of Youth

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RETROSPECT OF YOUTH. ——
I wander'd forth amid the flow'rs, And careless sipp'd the morning air;Nor hail'd the angel-winged hours, Nor saw that Happiness was thereAlas! I often since have weptThat Gratitude unconscious slept!
For Truth and Pity then were young, And walk'd in simple, narrow bounds:Affection's meek, assuasive tongue, Had sweet, but most capricious sounds.Once, wild with scornful pride, she fled,And only turn'd to seek the dead!
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Oh! from a garden of delight, What fair memento did I bring!What amaranth of colours bright, To mark the promise of my spring?Behold this flow'r! its leaves are wet,With tears of lasting, vain regret!
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