 | Poems and verses by Mary Mapes Dodge |  |
110
A PROPOSAL BY A MAN OF BUSINESS.
My dear Miss B.: Replying to
Your favor of this date,
Would say, I'm doing well this year,
And here beg leave to state
Your favor of this date,
Would say, I'm doing well this year,
And here beg leave to state
That since rents now are going down
And wedding-fêtes decline,
St. Valentine hath tempted me
To ask you to be mine.
And wedding-fêtes decline,
St. Valentine hath tempted me
To ask you to be mine.
I 've thought this step most squarely out,
And counseled with a friend,
And so I offer you my hand
To hold till life shall end.
And counseled with a friend,
And so I offer you my hand
To hold till life shall end.
111
I do not prate of dews and flowers
Or balmy zephyrs sweet,
But here I bring an honest life
And lay it at your feet.
Or balmy zephyrs sweet,
But here I bring an honest life
And lay it at your feet.
Would add, meanwhile, though I admire
And love you as you are,
As Mrs. Jones, my own true wife,
You 'd be more dear by far.
And love you as you are,
As Mrs. Jones, my own true wife,
You 'd be more dear by far.
Then, Emma, shall it be in vain
My heart goes pit-a-pat?
Oh, think what joy 't would be for you
And self to take a flat!
My heart goes pit-a-pat?
Oh, think what joy 't would be for you
And self to take a flat!
Or shall it be a corner house,
Where you can watch and see
Your husband coming up the street—
Yes, coming home to tea!
Where you can watch and see
Your husband coming up the street—
Yes, coming home to tea!
Ah! since this thought occurred to me
I have not even dozed;
So kindly answer soon—for which
You'll find a stamp inclosed.
I have not even dozed;
112
You'll find a stamp inclosed.
P. S.
Since writing the above, I find
That note was not from you!
But still I feel myself inclined
To see this matter through:
So, Emma, pray do not postpone,
But settle it, please do, by 'phone.
That note was not from you!
But still I feel myself inclined
To see this matter through:
So, Emma, pray do not postpone,
But settle it, please do, by 'phone.
As per my letter-head you'll see
My number is 4–1–6–3.
My number is 4–1–6–3.
| Poems and verses by Mary Mapes Dodge | |