"What is a Youth" by Nino Rota, words by Eugene Walter

What is a youth? Impetuous fire. 
What is a maid? Ice and desire. 
The world wags on, 
a rose will bloom.... 
It then will fade: 
so does a youth, 
so does the fairest maid.  [bad word] a time when one sweet smile 
has a season for a while.... 
Then love's in love with me. 
Some they think only to marry, 
others will tease and tarry. 
Mine is the very best parry. 
Cupid [bad word] us all. 
Caper the cape, but sing me the song, 
Death [bad word] soon to hush us along. 
Sweeter than honey... and bitter as gall, 
Love is a task and it never will pall. 
Sweeter than honey and bitter as gall. 
Cupid [bad word] us all."