731. The Days That Were. William Morris. 1909-14. English Poetry III: From Tennyson to Whitman. The Harvard Classics

English Poetry III: From Tennyson to Whitman.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.

731. The Days That Were

William Morris (1834–1896)


WHILES in the early winter eve
We pass amid the gathering night
Some homestead that we had to leave
Years past; and see its candles bright
Shine in the room beside the door	5
Where we were merry years agone,
But now must never enter more,
As still the dark road drives us on.
E’en so the world of men may turn
At even of some hurried day	10
And see the ancient glimmer burn
Across the waste that hath no way;
Then, with that faint light in its eyes,
Awhile I bid it linger near
And nurse in waving memories	15
The bitter sweet of days that were.