The poetical works of John Godfrey Saxe :: :: University of Virginia Library

A Gallic bard the touching tale has told
How once—the customary dower to save—
A sordid sire his only daughter gave
To a rich suitor, ugly, base, and old.
The mother too (such mothers there have been)
With equal pleasure heard the formal vow,
“With all my worldly goods I thee endow,”
And gave the bargain an approving grin.
Then, to the girl, who stood with drooping head,
The pallid image of a wretch forlorn,
Mourning the hapless hour when she was born,
The Priest said, “Agnes, wilt thou this man wed?”
“Of this my marriage, holy man,” said she,
“Thou art the first to say a word to me!”