Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895.
Francis William Bourdillon b. 1852Old and Young
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I passed a little child at play;
And as I passed, in childish glee
She called to me, “Come and play with me!”
I was fain to climb before the night;
So, half-impatient, I answered, “Nay!
I am too old, too old to play.”
My limbs were grown too old to climb—
I passed a child on a pleasant lea,
And I called to her, “Come and play with me!”
And scarce she lifted a wondering look,
As with childish scorn she answered, “Nay!
I am too old, too old to play!”