TO "LYDIA LANGUISH." Some new Neæra's tangled hair- I cannot promise to be cold If smiles are kind as yours of old A somewhat visionary Her, I answer truly-No. You fear, you frankly add, "to find That altering Time estranges.” To this I make response that we (As physiologists agree), Must have septennial changes; To try and find out whether This not-to-be-avoided change So as to change together: But, had you asked me to allow That you could ever grow 137 Less amiable than you are now,— But-to be serious-if you care You outrage their affection ;- And when, arrived so far, you say Then, Lydia, then . . . I still shall stay, 'HARLES,-for it seems you wish to know, CH You wonder what could scare me so, And why, in this long-locked bureau, With trembling fingers, With tragic air, I now replace This ancient web of yellow lace, Friend of my youth, severe as true, To indigestion; I had forgotten it was there, A scarf that Some-one used to wear. Hinc illa lacrima,—so spare Your cynic question. Some-one who is not girlish now, And wed long since. We meet and bow; I don't suppose our broken vow Affects us keenly; Yet, trifling though my act appears, Your Sternes would make it ground for tears ; One can't disturb the dust of years, And smile serenely. "My golden locks" are gray and chill, For hers, let them be sacred still; But yet, I own, a boyish thrill Went dancing through me, Charles, when I held yon yellow lace; Peeped out an arch, ingenuous face That beckoned to me. We shut our heart up, now-a-days, Derisive pity; Alas,-a nothing starts the spring; At once commences quavering Its lover's ditty. A GAGE D'AMOUR. Laugh, if you like. The boy in me,- The fresh young smile that shone when she, Once more we trod the Golden Way, That mother you saw yesterday, And I, whom none can well portray She twirled the flimsy scarf about Where we were bound no mortal knows, Well, well, the wisest bend to Fate. Its wonted station. Pass me the wine. To Those that keep The bachelor's secluded sleep Peaceful, inviolate, and deep, I pour libation. 141 |