To A Mirror

(Lines by a lady no longer young).

My friend, old friend, no more can we
Sit face to face in contemplative wise
Looking in youthful constancy,
Unmindfully,
Seeing but beauty in each other's eyes:
For you have changed, as change eternally
The hours and time, and with no great surprise
I learn you are not quite the same to me,
My friend.

Though, true, you tell no timely lies
You might express the truth less painfully;
But even this your face denies,
So I surmise
That after all you cannot really be
My friend.

—H. R. B