And though thy ears, once glossy brown, 

 Are faded now ; though hoary white 



With ages' frost thy nose is grown, 

 And dull thy hearing and thy sight ; 



And though thy once fleet limbs resign 



Their spring, then light as air-blown feather ; 



I love thee more for every sign 



That tells how long we've lived together. 



And still thine ear is quick to see, 

 To know me yet far off: thine ear 



(Oh love-supplied deficiency !) 



Is keen my voice, my step to hear. 



And still thou com'st with wild misrule, 



As in past time, to welcome me : 

 And yet thou think'st, old jealous fool ! 



That that dull thing can rival thee. 



Dost thou e'er hear me summon her 



To be companion of my walk ? 

 Dost thou e'er hear me talk to her, 



As thou and I are wont to talk ? 



" But, mistress ! on your lap she lies, 

 While I am crouching at your feet : 



And I've looked on with envious eyes, 

 And seen her from your lingers eat." 

 '47 



