Fuess and Stearns, comps. The Little Book of Society Verse. 1922.
By. Charles Stuart CalverleyLove
C
I’ve not learn’d to woo:
Thou art on the shady
Side of sixty too.
Still I love thee dearly!
Thou hast lands and pelf:
But I love thee merely,
Merely for thyself.
Though thou art not fair;
And I think thou wearest
Someone-else’s hair.
Thou could’st love, though, dearly:
And, as I am told,
Thou art very nearly
Worth thy weight in gold.
Tell me that thou dost!
Women fairly beat one,
But I think thou must.
Thou art loved so dearly:
I am plain, but then
Thou (to speak sincerely)
Art as plain again.
I’ve an empty purse:
And I’ve “moods,” which vary;
Mostly for the worst.
Still I love thee dearly:
Though I make (I feel)
Love a little queerly,
I’m as true as steel.
(As, you know, they do)
By yon heaven above me
And its changeless blue.
Love me, lady, dearly,
If you’ll be so good;
Though I don’t see clearly
On what ground you should.
Not, but be my bride!
Do not simply shove me
(So to speak) aside!
P’raps it would be dearly
Purchased at the price;
But a hundred yearly
Would be very nice.