Old Valentines
How rapidly Time shifts the scene.
Again it is St. Cupid’s day,
And I must send to my Rosine
A gorgeous valentine bouquet.
Last year I sent the same to May—
Heigh-ho! I’ve led a blithe career—
They’d make a rather long array,
My valentines of yester-year.
In years beginning with 18—
I was unfettered, free, and gay
Each maiden seemed to me a queen,
And to each one my court I’d pay.
Now I’m engaged. Ah, well-away!
Rosina is a perfect dear,
But I would better not display
My valentines of yester-year.
No memories shall come between
My love and me. And I’ll essay
To keep her life calm and serene,
And love her when she’s old and gray:
Her lightest wish I will obey,
But still—I hope she’ll never hear
Those verses that I wrote in play,
My valentines of yester-year.
L’ENVOI
Cupid, my secrets ne’er betray,
Let me not realize my fear;
And may they be destroyed, I pray,
My valentines of yester-year.