Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By ArloBates

1056 Conceits

I
KITTY’S LAUGH

THY laugh’s a song an oriole trilled,

Romping in glee the sky,—

Sunshine in lucent drops distilled,

And showered from on high.

So perfect in his song thou art,

That when thy laughter rings

I long to clasp thee to my heart,

Lest, too, thou have his wings!

II
KITTY’S “NO”

Kit, the recording angel wrote

That cruel “no” you said,

And smiled to think how in your throat

You choked a “yes” instead;

Then sighed in envy of the look

That promised me your grace;

And on the margin of his book

Limned in excuse your face.