A MÉSALLIANCE.

I hear sweet music, rich gowns I wear,

I live in splendour and state;

But I'd give it all to be young once more,

And steal through the old low-lintelled door,

To watch at the orchard gate.

There are flowers by thousands these ball-rooms bear,

Fair blossoms, wondrous and new;

But all the flowers that a hot-house grows

I would give for the scent of a certain rose

That a cottage garden grew!

Oh, diamonds that sparkle on bosom and hair,

Oh, rubies that glimmer and glow—

I am tired of my bargain and tired of you!

I would give you all for a daisy or two

From a little grave I know.