C.D. Warner, et al., comp. The Library of the World’s Best Literature.
An Anthology in Thirty Volumes. 1917.

Old-Time Love

IN good old days such sort of love held sway

As artlessly and simply made its way,

And a few flowers, the gift of love sincere,

Than all the round earth’s riches were more dear:

For to the heart alone did they address their lay.

And if they chanced to love each other, pray

Take heed how well they then knew how to stay

For ages faithful—twenty, thirty year—

In good old days.

But now is lost Love’s rule they used t’ obey;

Only false tears and changes fill the day.

Who would have me a lover now appear

Must love make over in the olden way,

And let it rule as once it held its sway

In good old days.