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Eternal Childhood Whenever did I suggest that maturity had no attraction for me or that the burden of declining age had become unbearable in my view? I should equally welcome both: Hail unto you, ye splendent maturity, as hail unto you, ye prudent fruitage! What I would, indeed, aver is only this: Never may I lose my eternal childhood!—the glorious childhood that knows no distinction between the rich and the poor, that cherisheth no umbrage against an evil-doer, that casts not away its rapturous smile immaculate like a blossom, that tinges not the heart's communion with the hues of illusion, that knows no other tongue than the one tongue of affection-Never may I lose this luscious childhood even at the last breath of my existence. Far more precious unto me is this perpetual childhood than all the dazzling crowns of empires!
Love's Vision Love does not vouchsafe the beauteous vision of his serene image on one who offers not his all at the hallowed feet of love.
