We parted in a woodland glade When autumn winds were sighing, In gold and russet bright arrayed A glowing canopy displayed The summer leaves a-dying; And but the wind, no other sound Than a leaf that fluttered to the ground, And a far-off robin singing, We heard. You guessed my thoughts, and said: ‘In spring, the swallows who have fled Will back be winging; The trees a brighter emerald show, The rose a richer crimson glow, Than any gleamed in this year’s prime’— All this was once upon a time Long ago! ‘What though a while we part,’ you cried; ‘What though the wind is sighing; The spring will autumn’s frost deride, The summer laugh at winter-tide, Long power to grief denying. We part, but never say farewell; Nor let the dead leaves to us tell A tale of changeless sorrow; Fair Spring comes sparkling down the dell, And in that morrow, If still upon this world below, We’ll meet ’neath yonder spreading lime’— You said so once upon a time Long ago! Perchance you have forgot all this; ’Twas long ago; Perchance you sneer at words like bliss And lovers’ woe. Or else you are amused—as I— To think we once swore we should die, If fate us parted; To think we vowed so soon to meet, And said in spring-time we would greet, Or else be broken-hearted. Strange—is it not?—to have fancied so. You smile, no doubt, such things to know; Or do you count it as a crime To think of once upon a time Long ago? LINDA GARDINER. * * * * * _Volume I. of the Fifth Series of CHAMBERS’S JOURNAL is now completed, price Nine Shillings._ * * * * * _A Title-page and Index, price One Penny, have been prepared, and may be ordered through any bookseller._ * * * * * _An elegant cloth case for binding the whole of the numbers for 1884 is also ready._ * * * * * _Back numbers to complete sets may at all times be had._ * * * * * In our next Part will be given the opening chapters of an original Novel, entitled: A HOUSE DIVIDED AGAINST ITSELF. BY MRS OLIPHANT. * * * * * END OF THE FIRST VOLUME. Printed and Published by W. and R. Chambers, 47 Paternoster Row, London, and 339 High Street, Edinburgh. * * * * * _All Rights Reserved._