THE GOOD OLD TIME

Trantlated from Marot by Sir Tollemache. Sinclair. In good old times, a course of true love reigned, Which without art or gift was well maintained,

' This beautiful poem was written by André Chénier to immortalize M"' de Coigny, a young lad who was with him in prison during the French Revolution, but who escaped execution, and aftei wards married a French Duke.

' As he was writing this lost word, he was sent for to be taken to the guillotine.

So that a bouquet given with love profound Was just as if one gave the earth all round, For the loved heart alone one tried to gain, And if perchance to win it we were fain, Dost know how long one kept up this dear pain ? A score or thirty years — truth did abound

In the good old times.

What love ordained is now lost, there's nought But feign'd tears, we hear but of sad changes wrought, Let those who wish I now should fall in love, Renew this love, — restore it like the dove, And make it as 'twas made by heaven above,

In the good old times.