468. Memory. Oliver Goldsmith. The Oxford Book of English Verse

Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. 1919. The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250–1900.

Oliver Goldsmith. 1728–1774

468. Memory

O MEMORY, thou fond deceiver,
Still importunate and vain,
To former joys recurring ever,
And turning all the past to pain:

Thou, like the world, th' oppress'd oppressing,	5
Thy smiles increase the wretch's woe:
And he who wants each other blessing
In thee must ever find a foe.