The Old Man's Comforts, and How He Gained Them

You are old, Father William, the young man cried ;
The few locks which are left you are gray ;
You are hale, Father William, a hearty old man ;
Now tell me the reason, I pray.

In the days of my youth. Father William replied,
I remember'd that youth would fly fast.
And abused not my health and my vigour at first,
That I never might need them at last.

You are old, Father William, the young man cried,
And pleasures with youth pass away ;
And yet you lament not the days that are gone ;
Now tell me the reason, I pray.

In the days of my youth. Father William replied,
I remember'd that youth could not last ;
I thought of the future, whatever I did.
That I never might grieve for the past.

You are old. Father William, the young man cried.
And life must be hastening away ;
You are cheerful, and love to converse upon death ;
Now tell me the reason, I pray.

I am cheerful, young man. Father William replied ;
Let the cause thy attention engage ;
In the days of my youth I remember'd my God !
And He hath not forgotten my age.