They met but once, in youth's sweet hour,

  And never since that day

Hath absence, time, or grief had power

  To chase that dream away.

They've seen the suns of other skies,

  On other shores have sought delight;

But never more to bless their eyes

  Can come a dream so bright!

They met but once,—a day was all

  Of Love's young hopes they knew;

And still their hearts that day recall

  As fresh as then it flew.

Sweet dream of youth! oh, ne'er again

  Let either meet the brow

They left so smooth and smiling then,

  Or see what it is now.

For, Youth, the spell was only thine,

  From thee alone the enchantment flows,

That makes the world around thee shine

  With light thyself bestows.

They met but once,—oh, ne'er again

  Let either meet the brow

They left so smooth and smiling then,

  Or see what it is now.