| Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900. |
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| 1478. To One Being Old |
| | | By Langdon Elwyn Mitchell (“John Philip Varley”) |
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| HER aged hands are worn with works of love; | |
| Dear aged hands that oft on me are laid; | |
| Her heart’s below, but, oh, her love’s above, | |
| As flowers do sunward turn though in the shade. | |
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| The set of sun is dear that lasts not long, | 5 |
| And she is sweeter far than light that dies: | |
| But if her aged body’s weak, she ’s strong; | |
| Her folly, wisdom in a softer guise. | |
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| The very smile of love is hers, and she | |
| Hath him long known where others knew a shade; | 10 |
| Forget thine eyes, and learn herewith to see | |
| Within this time-worn sheath the snowy blade. | |
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| Upon her lovely cheek there still doth play | |
| A maiden’s blush, for her heart grows not old; | |
| Her silver locks go sweetly all astray; | 15 |
| Though silver are her locks, her heart is gold! | |
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