Page 41 - Poetry-Romance

Ah, that sound was as a curfew, quenching rosy warm romance:
Were it safe to wed a woman one so oft would wish in France?
Oh, as she “cull-imbed” that ladder, swift my mounting hope
came down.
I am still a single cynic; she is still Cassandra Brown!

— Coroebus Green (Century Magazine, 1884)

Valentine to a Man of Worth

Fair Sir! to you my maiden intuitions
Shy but sincere—ingenuously incline,
And if I find you answer the conditions,
I’ll take your bid and be your Valentine.

I know your worth—that is, your general merit;
But, when your mourned and wealthy father died,
Pray tell a simple girl, did you inherit
His virtues only—or—a bit beside?

Yes, I admire your lofty reputation,
Dear to my artless spirit as my own;
But tell me this—to still my trepidation—
Are you an owner in Bell Telephone?
Your learning, too, has bound my heart in fetters—
For you are wise, if street report be true;
I, too, a childish fancy have for letters-
I hope you’re solid on “C., B., & Q.”
Your noble presence—“dignified and stately”
With inexperienced ardor I adore;
But those Villard stocks! Have you tried ‘em lately?
And were you long or short on that Lake Shore?
So, gentle Sir, if you aright but read me,
And will with all your Bonds and Stocks be mine,
Then into Mutual Union you shall lead me,
And I will be—
Your booming VALENTINE.

— Edward Church (Century Magazine, 1884)

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