University of Virginia Library

WOULD N'T YOU LIKE TO KNOW?

A MADRIGAL.

I.

I know a girl with teeth of pearl,
And shoulders white as snow;
She lives,—ah! well,
I must not tell,—
Would n't you like to know?

II.

Her sunny hair is wondrous fair,
And wavy in its flow;
Who made it less
One little tress,—
Would n't you like to know?

III.

Her eyes are blue (celestial hue!)
And dazzling in their glow;
On whom they beam
With melting gleam,—
Would n't you like to know?

IV.

Her lips are red and finely wed,
Like roses ere they blow;
What lover sips
Those dewy lips,—
Would n't you like to know?

V.

Her fingers are like lilies fair
When lilies fairest grow;
Whose hand they press
With fond caress,—
Would n't you like to know?

VI.

Her foot is small, and has a fall
Like snowflakes on the snow;
And where it goes
Beneath the rose,—
Would n't you like to know?

VII.

She has a name, the sweetest name
That language can bestow.
'T would break the spell
If I should tell,—
Would n't you like to know?