Walter Prichard Eaton

RED-BRICK and sunny in a cheerful row,

Unboastful of the beauty they possess,

These ancient houses face the square; the stress

Of commerce from the nervous town below

Swept round and far beyond them long ago;

Upon their view the high warehouses press;

But they abide in their old-worldliness,

And time with them moves gratefully and slow.

Not otherwise when time and age advance

May I look forth on some green spot in life,

And keep the world aloof to see the sun,

And hold the children in a kindly glance,

There peacefully to pass out from the strife,

Unsoiled, unwearied, when my day is done.