AN OLD MAID'S WARNING.

Otago Witness, Issue 1858, 1 July 1887, Page 29

AN OLD MAID'S WARNING.

I. When I was young (Ah me! 'tis many years ago!) This wrinkled brow was smooth and fair, And thick with shining curls the hair That now is scant and streak'd with snow; In truth I was a comely lass, And folks would turn to see me pass— When I was young! II. When I was young, The world was full of life and song, Of merry-hearted, blooming girls, With skin like satin, teeth like pearls, And handsome youths, that mov'd among The laughing groups with quip and jest, And I!—was merry as the rest, When I was young! III. When I was young, There was no thought of blighted bloom, Of wearied limbs, of aching bones, Of day-light cares, and midnight moans; No dark foreshad' wings of the tomb— We only thought of joy and play, And never look'd beyond to-day When I was young! IV. When I was young, The days flew by on gilded wings, Their swiftness unperceiv'd—we knew That we must die some day, 'tis true, Yet felt ourselves immortal things; Such fate was for the old,—but we Seem'd born to laugh eternally, When I was young! V. When I was young, A manly form stood by my side, Preferr'd from out a group who knelt— And vow'd the pangs their bosoms felt— Before the shrine of maiden pride; Ah me, he was a goodly youth! I've never seen his like, in truth, Since I was young! VI. But I was young, And little deem'd I of his love (Which oft I've panted to regain), And little reck'd I of his pain, Which ne'er my lightsome heart could move; And many a teasing jest I play'd, Alack! I was a thoughtless jade When I was young!

VII. When men are young, Their patience will not last for aye! The warmest love will wearied grow (Ah! sad experience taught me so!) If dallied with from day to day. My lover found a fairer face, A form that spurn'd not his embrace While life was young! VIII. And while still young (Ah me! I older grew each day!) 'Twas mine to see my fondest dreams Slip swiftly by, like mountain streams; While I could only weep, and pray, And curse the thoughtless coquetry That turn'd lover's heart from me, When I was young! IX. No longer young— I sit beside my winter fire, With aching limbs that have forgot To sport and dance,—my lonely lot Uncheer'd by love,—my sole desire To sit and dream of happy days When life was warm with love and praise, And I was young! X. Ye who are young And have your lives before you still,— Sweet maid, aglow with health and youth, Accord your lovers time by ruth, And let not scorn their passion kill. Take warning by my lonely fate, And laugh not till it be too late, While you are young! XI. Tho' you are young, The day will come, not distant far, When all your charms of form and face To newer beauties must give place, And pale before some brighter star! Then clip your lover's restless wing, And bind him fast with marriage ring, While you are young! XII. No longer young, You then may sit among your kin, Encompass'd round with love and care, The snows of age upon your hair, But love and joy your heart within. Your girls will smile to hear you tell Of how their father lov'd you well, When you were young! —WITCH ELM.

Moeraki, June 2.