Matthew Arnold (182288). The Poems of Matthew Arnold, 18401867. 1909. | | Empedocles on Etna, and Other Poems | Youths Agitations |
| [First published 1852. Reprinted 1867.] WHEN 1 I shall be divorced, some ten years hence, | |
From this poor present self which I am now; | |
When youth has done its tedious vain expense | |
Of passions that for ever ebb and flow; | |
Shall I not joy youths heats are left behind, | 5 |
And breathe more happy in an even clime? | |
Ah no! for then I shall begin to find | |
A thousand virtues in this hated time. | |
Then I shall wish its agitations back, | |
And all its thwarting currents of desire; | 10 |
Then I shall praise the heat which then I lack, | |
And call this hurrying fever, generous fire, | |
And sigh that one thing only has been lent | |
To youth and age in commondiscontent. | |
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