Postcard Friendship Friday -- Would That We Were Young Again

On the back of this postcard is this quote: "Ah, would that we were young again — English."

Thomas Dunn English (1819 - 1902) was an American politician who represented a New Jersey congressional district in the House of Representatives from 1891 to 1895. He was also an author. The quote on this postcard is from his poem "Kate Vane:"

KATE VANE.

I Well remember when at morn
We twain to school would go,
In summer heat, in winter chill—
Unheeding sun or snow.
I think of when I used to gaze
Within your bonnet on those days—
Perchance to steal a kiss, Kate Vane.
Ah, would that we were young again!

I think of when I "did the sums"
That puzzled so your pate,
And, when I went to say my task,
Slipped in your hands the slate.
Oft would I claim and get for this
What now were worth a world—a kiss:
You did not think it harm, Kate Vane—
Ah, would that we were young again!

I think of when the brindle cow
Adown the cattle track
Chased you, and I with stick and stone
In triumph beat her back.
Your little cheek was on my breast,
Your little lips to mine were prest,
Your eyes were filled with love, Kate Vane-
Ah, would that we were young again!

I think of when I halved with you
My cherished, childish store,
And only wished, for your dear sake,
It might be ten times more.
Our schoolmates, in their petty strife
With us, would call us "man and wife; "
None call us that just now, Kate Vane—
Ah, would that we were young again!

I see you now when years have passed,
And find you full as fair;
Time has not soiled your purity,
Nor marked your face with care.
I love you as I did before—
Yea! deeper, stronger, better, more.
What! are you in my arms, Kate Vane?
Dear love, we both are young again!

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