GOING TO PROPOSE.

Observer, Volume 4, Issue 96, 15 July 1882, Page 281

GOING TO PROPOSE.

There is something in his air To disclose That lie's going forth to dare Future woes. Half resigned and half despairing, Sighing softly, softly swearing, On his lonely way he's faring To propose. Winter's tempests haven't shed Any snows On that curly auburn head Of our beau's ; Yet his steps appear to falter, As from swift to slow they alter, Like the minstrel's whom Sir Walter To us shows. On all men he glares as if Tiiey were foes ; Stops and sternly eyes his stiff Patent toes. If wo judge by the forlorn— full Of foreboding, meek and mournful — Face of him we knew so scornful Of Fate's blows. How his purpose to explain, How compose All the thoughts wherewith his brain Overflows, Now he ponders. Ah ! those speeches, Mellow, soft, as ripest peaches, Will unlovely as owl's screeches Sound, he knows. What's the cause of all these fierce Mental throes That his bosom rack and pierce, D'you suppose ? Why, a winsome little fairy, Who, in attitude unwary, Shows a glimpse, 'ueath laces airy, Of silk hose ? Doffed her Lenten suit, in hue Like a crow's, She appeal's in fresh and new Furbelows ; And above the frock's completeness — Negligence combined with neatness — Smiles a face, with bloom and sweetness Of a rose. Now that face from throat to hair Brightly glows : Well she wots he's waiting there To propose. ,' , , ■ ' Ayes ' will have it, need we mention ? Ne'er would feminine convention Throw out any man's intention By the ' noes.'