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us learn all that love can teach,

Dear heart, while we and love are young;

Too soon, alas, Life's bark will reach

Those sandy shores, that thirsty beach,

Lashed by the sad wave's tongue.

For Love will land us on that strand

Strewn with gaunt ribs of former wrecks,

If we, indifferent to command,

Handle no ropes, but idly stand

Along the uncared-for decks. Rh