THE WESSON OF THE GORSE.

Otago Witness, Issue 1885, 6 January 1888, Page 29

THE LESSON OF THE GORSE.

Thro' the lanes in merry spring Stro'l'ed a youthful couple, He so brown and handsome, she Pink, and slim, and supple. All the hedge-rows golden gleam'd With the gorse so yellow, And the lover call'd a bloom, Whisp'ring (artful fellow!) "Now while love is in the air, Sweet, return my passion; When the gorse is out of bloom, Kissing's out of fashion!'" See the maiden once again, In her beauty's prime, Leaning on a bridegroom's arm, It is summer time; And the air steals soft and rich From the perfum'd hedges, Where the gorse out-gleams the sun, While the lover pledges In the eyes unprais'd to his, Draughts of ardent passion. "When the gorse is out of bloom, Kissing's out of fashion!" Older grown, but merry still, See our loving pair, Strolling thro' the autumn lanes; Sons and daughters fair Frolicking around their steps, While the gorse so cheery, Bloometh still, and fond papa Whispers to his dearie, "Love, you look as young as when First you woke my passion; 'When the gorse is out of bloom, Kissing's out of fashion!'" Winter now has nipp'd the flowers— Hobbling thro' the lanes, Are an aged couple; see With what care and pains Darby helps his Joan along, Mumbling, "Well, I never; Dear I see a spray of gorse Blooming fresh as ever!" Still upon the graveyard's verge Thrives the tender passion. "When the gorse is out of bloom, Kissing's out of fashion!"

—WYCH ELM.

Moeraki, December 31.