The ruinous cottage, the broken latch;
The cold stone floor and the dripping thatch.
The ripe red lips of the girl who stands
Holding her lover’s hands.
The gay Casino, the fancy ball;
The twinkling lights of the crowded hall.
The cool sweet air of the terrace dim,
Love and laughter and--him.
The pitiful pageant that follows soon;
The music hall and the cheap saloon.
The sad procession, the coffee stall.
The river that ends it all.