University of Virginia Library


86

OVER THE WAY.

Over the way, over the way,
I 've seen a head that 's fair and gray;
I 've seen kind eyes not new to tears,
A form of grace, though full of years—
Her fifty summers have left no flaw—
And I, a youth of twenty-three,
So love this lady, fair to see,
I want her for my mother-in-law!
Over the way, over the way,
I 've seen her with the children play;
I 've seen her with a royal grace
Before the mirror adjust her lace;
A kinder woman none ever saw;
God bless and cheer her onward path,
And bless all treasures that she hath,
And let her be my mother-in-law!

87

Over the way, over the way,
I think I'll venture, dear, some day
(If you will lend a helping hand,
And sanctify the scheme I 've planned);
I'll kneel in loving, reverent awe
Down at the lady's feet, and say:
“I 've loved your daughter many a day—
Please won't you be my mother-in-law?”