So, on the whole, I don't repine

At having gone-it was as well— 'Twas all that offered-and-in fine,

I saw again fair Rosa Bell.

And when that pretty maid I see
In drawing-room, or field, or wood,
She talks most pleasantly to me—
For which I think her very good.

She talks to me-yes, that's the factMy speech her presence drives awayWith strange stupidity attacked

I cannot find a word to say!

But she likes well enough to chat.Why, John, what can you be about,

To let a little girl like that

Put all your senses to the rout!

So Sedley says.-If this is all

Love, of himself, must make it plain.—

How will the time of parting fall?

And shall I ever come again?

Oh, for some happy hour and chance To tell her all that's in my mind, Some lonely walk, some rustic dance!— I think she would not prove unkind!

The thing is over, it is done!

I've staked the stake-but have I won ?

I have not spoken as I meant,

In sooth, I am but half content;

I could not all my passion tell,
For I proposed to-Major Bell!
It happened we were left alone,

I thought the Major sounded me;
I therefore made my wishes known,
And now await my destiny!—
Her father took my offer well;
Of course, 'twas not for him to tell
How she might feel; but in his air
Was something to forbid despair.—

He must have meant me to propose,-

But what about dear little Rose?

D

The pleasant days will hurry on;
Why can't we make the moments stay?
And I, alas! must soon be gone—

How quickly comes that wretched day!

It is not good to dwell alone—

So God, who did our nature plan,

To whom our every want is known,

Said of the first, the new-made man.

The lions pair, the eagles mate,

The birds build nests in hedge and tree.

'Tis vain to fight against one's fate!—

I wonder if she'd marry me?

I do not know which way to ask.

I have no notion how to woo;

It cannot be a pleasant task—

But others manage to get through.

Oh, she is very beautiful!

Would I could call her all my own!

A loving wife, and dutiful

I cannot bear to live alone!

I'm fairly caught-I cannot tell

How much I love this pretty Rose! My hopes I quell, and ring their knell, Unless I venture to propose!

'Love when 'tis true needs not the aid Of sigh nor oaths to make it known ; And, to convince the cruel'st maid

Lovers should use their love alone.’