by George Meredith & William Henry Wills (uncredited).
Originally published in Household Words (Bradbury & Evans) vol.3 #61 (24 May 1851).
The heart may live a lifetime in an hour,
And well embrace
A lifetime's energy, and strength, and power,
Within that space.
We do it wrong, Time by one rule to reckon;
For by our state--
As our stern fears deter, or fond hopes beckon--
Should it bear date.
A minute's agony appears a day:
Years of delight
Seem, traced by memory, having passed away,
Transient as light.
With Love Time flies, Hate makes it linger;
Says Youth, "Be past!"
Age, pointing to its sands with eager finger,
Murmurs, "Too fast!"