Part 29 (1/2)

Cinderella's _lefts and rights_, To Geraldine's were frights; And I trow, The damsel, deftly shod, Has dutifully trod Until now.

Come, Gerry, since it suits Such a pretty Puss (in Boots) These to don; Set this dainty hand awhile On my shoulder, dear, and I'll Put them on.

_Frederick Locker-Lampson._

MRS. SMITH

Last year I trod these fields with Di, Fields fresh with clover and with rye; They now seem arid!

Then Di was fair and single; how Unfair it seems on me, for now Di's fair--and married!

A blissful swain--I scorn'd the song Which says that though young Love is strong, The Fates are stronger; Breezes then blew a boon to men, The b.u.t.tercups were bright, and then This gra.s.s was longer.

That day I saw and much esteem'd Di's ankles, which the clover seem'd Inclined to smother; It twitch'd, and soon untied (for fun) The ribbon of her shoes, first one, And then the other.

I'm told that virgins augur some Misfortune if their shoe-strings come To grief on Friday: And so did Di, and then her pride Decreed that shoe-strings so untied Are ”so untidy!”

Of course I knelt; with fingers deft I tied the right, and then the left; Says Di, ”The stubble Is very stupid!--as I live, I'm quite ashamed!--I'm shock'd to give You so much trouble!”

For answer I was fain to sink To what we all would say and think Were Beauty present: ”Don't mention such a simple act-- A trouble? not the least! in fact It's rather pleasant!”

I trust that Love will never tease Poor little Di, or prove that he's A graceless rover.

She's happy now as _Mrs. Smith_-- And less polite when walking with Her chosen lover!

Heigh-ho! Although no moral clings To Di's blue eyes, and sandal strings, We've had our quarrels!-- I think that Smith is thought an a.s.s; I know that when they walk in gra.s.s She wears _balmorals_.

_Frederick Locker-Lampson._

A TERRIBLE INFANT

I recollect a nurse call'd Ann, Who carried me about the gra.s.s, And one fine day a fine young man Came up, and kiss'd the pretty la.s.s.

She did not make the least objection!

Thinks I, ”_Aha_!

_When I can talk I'll tell Mamma_”

--And that's my earliest recollection.

_Frederick Locker-Lampson._

SUSAN

A KIND PROVIDENCE

He dropt a tear on Susan's bier, He seem'd a most despairing swain; But bluer sky brought newer tie, And--would he wish her back again?