All things that pa** Are woman's looking-gla**; They show her how her bloom must fade, And she herself be laid With withered roses in the shade; With withered roses and the fallen peach, Unlovely, out of reach Of summer joy that was. All things that pa** Are woman's tiring-gla**; The faded lavender is sweet, Sweet the dead violet Culled and laid by and cared for yet;
The dried-up violets and dried lavender Still sweet, may comfort her, Nor need she cry Alas! All things that pa** Are wisdom's looking-gla**; Being full of hope and fear, and still Brimful of good or ill, According to our work and will; For there is nothing new beneath the sun; Our doings have been done, And that which shall be was.