Where graced with many a classic spoil <br />Cam rolls his reverend stream along, <br />I haste to urge the learned toil <br />That sternly chides my love-lorn song: <br />Ah me! too mindful of the days <br />Illumed by Passion's orient rays, <br />When peace, and Cheerfulness, and Health <br />Enriched me with the best of wealth. <br /> <br />Ah fair Delights! that o'er my soul <br />On Memory's wing, like shadows fly! <br />Ah Flowers! which Joy from Eden stole <br />While Innocence stood smiling by! <br />But cease, fond Heart! this bootless moan: <br />Those Hours on rapid Pinions flown <br />Shall yet return, by Absence crowned, <br />And scatter livelier roses round. <br /> <br />The Sun who ne'er remits his fires <br />On heedless eyes may pour the day: <br />The Moon, that oft from Heaven retires, <br />Endears her renovated ray. <br />What though she leave the sky unblest <br />To mourn awhile in murky vest? <br />When she relumes her lovely Light, <br />We bless the Wanderer of the Night.<br /><br />Samuel Taylor Coleridge<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/absence-a-farewell-ode-on-quitting-school-for-jesus-college/
