Gaffer Time

Oh, who has seen gray Gaffer Time
Along this broad highway pass by?
Will no one speak, will no one say,
Of all this noble company?

Youth, have you seen gray Gaffer Time?
"Nay," answered gay-heart Youth; "not I!
Though I be fleet, he tops the hill,
And speeds afar ere I draw nigh."

Age, hast thou seen gray Gaffer Time?
"Nay," halting Age replied; "not I!
Though I have laid him many a snare,
He slips through every mesh I try."

Joy, hast thou seen gray Gaffer Time?
"Nay," answered smiling Joy; "not I!
Why should I care to look for one
Who makes a mockery of my cry?"

Sorrow, hast thou seen Gaffer Time?
"Nay," glooming Sorrow quoth; "not I!
Still he evades my questing step,
Albeit our paths together lie."

Love, hast thou seen gray Gaffer Time?
"Nay," white-browed Love replied; "not I!
Though I have begged him show his face,
Yet he vouchsafes me no reply."

Death, hast thou seen gray Gaffer Time?
"Nay," answered quiet Death; "not I!
Why should I tryst with such as he,
Who is of those that do not die?"

Then none has seen gray Gaffer Time
Of all so wise a company;
And I who seek him up and down,
Alas! alas! what chance have I?