Noble L. Prentis.

 
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IN LIFE'S AFTERNOON.

 
_____ 
 
'Twas in life's afternoon 
    I loved thee, dear: 
The hopes of morn had fled 
    With midday clear. 
Illusion's veil was rent, 
Dreams fled too soon, 
When came the sweet event, 
And in life's afternoon 
    I loved thee, dear. 
 
Gone was the morning dew, 
    The mists that hid. 
Life's frowning peaks 
    Rose dark and near: 
The sun the springs had dried, 
The sands were hot and drear, 
When, in life's afternoon, 
    I loved thee, dear. 
(113)