1. Youth has passed, desire is no more
I led the steeds of youth awhile

2. And held the reins awhile; but now,
Advancing years leave me no power

3. To ride as once I rode the plain
Where joyously youth's ribbons flew.

4. I left behind me those who live
For revelry, wine, and reviews;

5. I weep to be estranged from them,
I am aggrieved that they condemn.

6. Once I disdained to hear their blame,
Now silence wounds and shames my name.

7. The singers' art could not beguile
My ear with sound of lute or tale;

8. Their graces wearied me the while,
And long before I feared their stale

9. Reproaches of the righteous kind,
And left them to the boys resigned.

10. To-day I have outgrown the prize
Of wine-cup, love, and flattering lies.