Revising Early Compositions at the Age of Seventeen, Eton
In 1865 at seventeen
The Eton schoolboy cast his eyes back through
His early compositions. With their sheen
Of amateurishness he held the view
That they should be revised or put away.
Imagine being so advanced in taste
At such an age that wisdom held the sway.
He copied some. He judged that some were waste.
Revising many, he included date
Of copying and changes. This reveals
A few were lacking. One he wrote at eight
Is counted as his first. How glad he feels
Is noted: one he wrote at 10 was “Used.”
Forgive the lad for feeling still enthused.