  Paris as I knew her In the days ere this— Paris, when I threw her Many a careless kiss— Paris of my pleasure, Bright of eye and brow, Town of squandered treasure— Where’s that Paris now? Song had shunned her traces, Care was on her track: All my young girls’ faces Pale in folds of black! Half the hearts were broken, All the mirth was fled; Scarce a vow was spoken, Save above the dead.... Oh, but there’s a spirit Sorrow cannot kill! Even now I hear it Swear the great “I Will!” Paris, at your portal Taps the ancient truth, Laughing and immortal: Never-conquered Youth! R.W.K. THE AZURE ROSE |
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