| Matthew Arnold (1822–88). The Poems of Matthew Arnold, 1840–1867. 1909. | | | | Empedocles on Etna, and Other Poems | | Youth’s Agitations |
| | [First published 1852. Reprinted 1867.]
WHEN 1 I shall be divorced, some ten years hence, | |
| From this poor present self which I am now; | |
| When youth has done its tedious vain expense | |
| Of passions that for ever ebb and flow; | |
| Shall I not joy youth’s heats are left behind, | 5 |
| And breathe more happy in an even clime? | |
| Ah no! for then I shall begin to find | |
| A thousand virtues in this hated time. | |
| Then I shall wish its agitations back, | |
| And all its thwarting currents of desire; | 10 |
| Then I shall praise the heat which then I lack, | |
| And call this hurrying fever, generous fire, | |
| And sigh that one thing only has been lent | |
| To youth and age in common—discontent. | |
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