Disillusion is the chief characteristic of old age; for by that time the fictions are gone which gave life its charm and spurred on the mind to activity; the splendors of the world have been proved null and vain; its pomp, grandeur and magnificence are faded.

And yet, strangely, the disillusion and the fear were a source of pleasure.

This, though not put quite so strong, Was involved in the conclusion Of my lay: Love's disillusion Was the burden of my song.