The Old Neighbour and the New

'Twas to greet the new rector I called here,
         But in the arm-chair I see
My old friend, for long years installed here,
         Who palely nods to me.

The new man explains what he's planning
         In a smart and cheerful tone,
And I listen, the while that I'm scanning
         The figure behind his own.

The newcomer urges things on me;
         I return a vague smile thereto,
The olden face gazing upon me
         Just as it used to do!

And on leaving I scarcely remember
         Which neighbour to-day I have seen,
The one carried out in September,
         Or him who but entered yestreen.