Time misspent in youth...

"The wine of youth does not always clear with advancing years; sometimes it grows turbid." 

- Carl Jung

“Some old men, continually praise the time of their youth. In fact, you would almost think that there were no fools in their days, but unluckily they themselves are left as an example.” 

- Alexander Pope

Happy the man...

 Today, for no reason and for good reason, some Alexander Pope:

 Happy the man, whose wish and care

   A few paternal acres bound,

Content to breathe his native air,

                            In his own ground.

Whose herds with milk, whose fields with bread,

   Whose flocks supply him with attire,

Whose trees in summer yield him shade,

                            In winter fire.

Blest, who can unconcernedly find

   Hours, days, and years slide soft away,

In health of body, peace of mind,

                            Quiet by day,

Sound sleep by night; study and ease,

   Together mixed; sweet recreation;

And innocence, which most does please,

                            With meditation.

Thus let me live, unseen, unknown;

   Thus unlamented let me die;

Steal from the world, and not a stone

                            Tell where I lie.

And some Raphael:

Young Woman with Unicorn

There is a very tenuous connection between  poem and painting, but if you work it out keep it to yourself. No-one likes a smart-arse.