⁠FOND Youth and Age met face to face,
⁠And each the other doubted sore.
Age mourned: "Your follies grow apace
⁠More dangerous than of yore.

"Old standards trampled in the dust,
⁠Where you are wending who can tell?"
Youth, wondering, smiled, at his distrust,
⁠And answered: "Nay; all's well!—

"Your day gone by, why fear that I
⁠Shall lack the strength for mine own hour?
Each new demand of destiny
⁠Brings with it a new power.

"For you the past: for me the Now—
⁠The wonder-working Now divine!
A weight too heavy for your brow
⁠The Fates transfer to mine."

Age, out of heart, impatient, sighed:—
⁠"I ask what will the Future be?"
Youth laughed contentedly, and cried:—
⁠"The future leave to me!"