Thomas Moore

Joys Of Youth, How Fleeting!

    Whisperings, heard by wakeful maids,
        To whom the night-stars guide us;
    Stolen walks thro' moonlight shades,
        With those we love beside us,
                Hearts beating,
                At meeting;
                Tears starting,
                At parting;
    Oh, sweet youth, how soon it fades!
        Sweet joys of youth, how fleeting!

    Wanderings far away from home,
        With life all new before us;
    Greetings warm, when home we come,
        From hearts whose prayers watched o'er us.
                Tears starting,
                At parting;
                Hearts beating,
                At meeting;
    Oh, sweet youth, how lost on some!
        To some, how bright and fleeting!