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<h2>AN ODE TO TIME</h2> Ho! sportsman Time, whose chargers fleet    The moments, madly driven, Beat in the dust beneath their feet    Sweet hopes that years have given; Turn, turn aside those reckless steeds,    Oh! do not urge them my way; There’s nothing that Time wants or needs    In this contented by-way. You have down-trodden, in your race,    So much that proves your power, Why not avoid my humble place?    Why rob me of my dower? With your vast cellars, cavern deep,    Packed tier on tier with treasures, You would not miss them should I keep    My little store of pleasures. p. 29As one who, frightened, flying, flings    Her riches down at random, Your course is paved with precious things    Life casts before your tandem: The warrior’s fame, the conqueror’s crown,    Great creeds for ages cherished, Beneath your chariot-wheels were thrown,    And, crushed to earth, they perished. Although to just and generous deeds    Your heart is not a stranger, I have the feeling that one needs    To guard his wealth from danger. And though a most heroic light    Oft on your pathway lingers, I’d hide my treasures, if I might,    From contact with your fingers. You are the loyal friend of Truth,    Go seek her, make her stronger, And leave the remnant of my youth    To me a little longer. There’s work enough for you before    Eternity shall wed you: Why stoop to steal my simple store?    Why make me shun and dread you? p. 30You do not need my joys, I say,    Home, love, and friends united— I beg you turn and go the way    Where wrong waits to be righted; Or pause, and let us chat a while:    I’ll listen—not too near you, For oh! no matter how you smile,    I fear you, Time, I fear you! <div style="break-after:column;"></div>

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