flora’s album. 
71 
Meadow Saf&on. 
“ Colchicum Officinalis." 
MY BEST DAYS ARE GONE. 
’T is wondrous strange, how great the change, 
Since I was in my teens ! 
Then I had heaux and billet-donx, 
And joined the gayest scenes. 
But lovers now have ceased to vow, — 
No way they can contrive 
To poison, hang, or drown themselves,— 
Because I’m twenty-five. 
Once if the night were e’er so bright, 
I ne’er abroad could roam. 
Without, — “ The bliss, the honor. Miss, 
Of seeing you safe home.” 
But now I go, through rain and snow, — 
Pursued, and scarce alive, — 
Through all the dark, without a spark, — 
Because I’m twenty-five. 
Oh dear! — ’t is queer that every year 
I’m slighted more and more; 
For not a beau pretends to show 
His head within our door. 
Miss Horton. 
