In days gone by, these eyes were bright,
This bosom fair, these cheeks were rosy,
This faded brow was snowy white,
These lips were fresh as new-plucked posy;
My girlish love he never guessed,
Until the day when we were parted;
I treasured it within my heart,
And lived alone and broken-hearted.
These cheeks are wan with age and care,
These weary eyes have done their duty,
As white as falling snow my hair,
And faded all my girlish beauty.
I see my every charm depart;
But Memory's chain I cannot sever,
For ah, within my poor old heart
The fire of love burns bright as ever!