1. Harshness troubled the youth though frolic it was,
And swiftly old age succeeded their prime.

2. The bright eyes turned from him, yet would he be,
At times, to the lover an intimate friend.

3. In truth, a noble companion is old age, wise monitor,
Though to the eyes it be hated eclipse.

4. Blent counsels of wisdom, choicest, sincere,
Yet deemed by the thoughtless a mixture impure.