Time's Rule

 

Time called me out of a dark room

In a green place to play;

He gave me flowers, fruits, and sweets,

I laughed all day.

 

I sang all day; I danced; I moved

With motion light and free:

Like th' little bird whose weight is scarce

More than a bee.

 

The sunny days made golden years,

Till Time told his fast rule:

"I send my happy children all

to a good-school."

 

Then to experience me he took,

The Master of Life's school;

Who snatched away my flowers and sweets

And called me fool.

 

And made me suffer, made me weep,

In daily teen and pain;

Would I were back, moaned I, in that

Green place again?

 

Time heard my plaint; " that place," said he,

"Hath now no fruit or flower."

"Then take me back to that dark room

For evermore."