by Algernon Charles Swinburne (1837 - 1909)
In vain men tell us time can alter
Language: English
I In vain men tell us time can alter Old loves or make old memories falter, That with the old year the old year's life closes. The old dew still falls on the old sweet flowers, The old sun revives the new-fledged hours, The old summer rears the new-born roses. II Much more a Muse that bears upon her Raiment and wreath and flower of honour, Gathered long since and long since woven, Fades not or falls as fall the vernal Blossoms that bear no fruit eternal, By summer or winter charred or cloven. III No time casts down, no time upraises, Such loves, such memories, and such praises, As need no grace of sun or shower, No saving screen from frost or thunder To tend and house around and under The imperishable and fearless flower. IV Old thanks, old thoughts, old aspirations, Outlive men's lives and lives of nations, Dead, but for one thing which survives -- The inalienable and unpriced treasure, The old joy of power, the old pride of pleasure, That lives in light above men's lives.
About the headline (FAQ)
First published in Pall Mall Gazette, October 1874, rev. 1878Text Authorship:
- by Algernon Charles Swinburne (1837 - 1909), "Age and Song: To Barry Cornwall", appears in Poems and Ballads, Second Series [author's text checked 1 time against a primary source]
Musical settings (art songs, Lieder, mélodies, (etc.), choral pieces, and other vocal works set to this text), listed by composer (not necessarily exhaustive):
- by John Reginald Lang-Hyde (1899 - 1990), "In vain men tell us time can alter", 1950. [voice and piano] [text not verified]
Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
This text was added to the website: 2009-01-27
Line count: 28
Word count: 179