Autumnal Thoughts

Still in my heart are blooming

fair buds of promise bright,

and in my head are ringing

anthems of pure delight.

But in my locks are gleaming

the silver threads of time,

beneath them vivid mem'ries

dwell untouched by Autum's rime.

The summer sun is hidden

and will not come to view,

but what its rays awakened,

will ripen thro' and thro'.

Not sun and sunshine only

do perfect fruits require,

'tis frost and hoar that bring forth

the wine, that glows like fire.