Time has laid his hand Upon my heart, gently, not smiting it, But as a harper lays his open palm Upon his harp, to deaden its vibrations.

More from The Golden Legend (1872)

• The grave itself is but a covered bridge, Leading from light to light, through a brief darkness!
• A boy’s will is the wind’s will, And the thoughts of youth are long, long thoughts.
• And the song, from beginning to end, I found again in the heart of a friend.
• Between the dark and the daylight, When the night is beginning to lower, Comes a pause in the day’s occupation, That is known as the Children’s Hour.
• But the great Master said, “I see No best in kind, but in degree; I gave a various gift to each, To charm, to strengthen, and to teach.
• God sent his Singers upon earth With songs of sadness and of mirth, That they might touch the hearts of men, And bring them back to heaven again.