When I was Still a Youthful Wight

WHEN I was still a youthful wight,

So full of enjoyment and merry, The painters used to assert, in spite,

That my features were small -- yes, very; Yet then full many a beauteous child With true affection upon me smil'd.

Now as a greybeard I sit here in state,

By street and by lane held in awe, sirs; And may be seen, like old Frederick the Great,

On pipebowls, on cups, and on saucers. Yet the beauteous maidens, they keep afar; Oh vision of youth! Oh golden star!