First or Last Thomas Hardy

If grief come early
       &nbsp Joy comes late,
       &nbsp If joy come early
       &nbsp Grief will wait;
       &nbsp       &nbsp Aye, my dear and tender!

Wise ones joy them early
While the cheeks are red,
Banish grief till surly
Time has dulled their dread.

       &nbsp And joy being ours
       &nbsp Ere youth has flown,
       &nbsp The later hours
       &nbsp May find us gone;
       &nbsp       &nbsp Aye, my dear and tender!