Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895.

William James Linton 1812–97

Love and Youth

Linton-W

TWO winged genii in the air

I greeted as they pass’d me by:

The one a bow and quiver bare,

The other shouted joyously.

Both I besought to stay their speed,

But never Love nor Youth had heed

Of my wild cry.

As swift and careless as the wind,

Youth fled, nor ever once look’d back;

A moment Love was left behind,

But follow’d soon his fellow’s track.

Yet loitering at my heart he bent

His bow, then smil’d with changed intent:

The string was slack.