Because

SWEET NEA! for your lovely sake

I weave these rambling numbers,

Because I’ve lain an hour awake,

And can’t compose my slumbers.

Because your beauty’s gentle light

Is round my pillow beaming,

And flings, I know not why, to-night,

Some witchery o’er my dreaming.

Because we’ve pass’d some joyous days,

And danced some merry dances;

Because we love old Beaumont’s plays,

And old Froissart’s romances!

Because whene’er I hear your words

Some pleasant feeling lingers;

Because I think your heart has cords

That vibrate to your fingers.

Because you’ve got those long, soft curls,

I’ve sworn should deck my goddess;

Because you’re not, like other girls,

All bustle, blush, and bodice;

Because your eyes are deep and blue,

Your fingers long and rosy;

Because a little child and you

Would make one’s home so cosy.

Because your tiny little nose

Turns up so pert and funny;

Because I know you choose your beaux

More for their mirth than money;

Because I think you’d rather twirl

A waltz,—with me to guide you,

Than talk small nonsense with an earl,

And a coronet beside you.

Because you don’t object to walk,

And are not given to fainting;

Because you have not learnt to talk

Of flowers and Poonah-painting;

Because I think you’d scarce refuse

To sew one on a button;

Because I know you’d sometimes choose

To dine on simple mutton.

Because I think I’m just so weak

As, some of those fine morrows,

To ask you if you’ll let me speak

My story—and my sorrows;

Because the rest’s a simple thing,

A matter quickly over,

A church—a priest—a sigh—a ring—

And a chaise and four to Dover.

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