A PRAYER FOR OLD AGE
 
 GOD guard me from those thoughts men think
 In the mind alone;
 He that sings a lasting song
 Thinks in a marrow-bone;
 From all that makes a wise old man
 That can be praised of all;
 O what am I that I should not seem
 For the song's sake a fool?
 I pray – for word is out
 And prayer comes round again –
 That I may seem, though I die old,
 A foolish, passionate man.