LINES LEFT AT THEODORE HOOK'S HOUSE. And my comical son, Who is fond of fun, I thought would have split his sides at the pun. So we rows to shore, And knocks at the door When William, a man I've seen often before, Makes answer and says, "Master's gone in a chaise Call'd a homnibus, drawn by a couple of bays." So I says then, "Just lend me a pen:" "I will, sir," says William, politest of men ; So having no card, these poetical brayings, Are the record I leave of my doings and sayings. RICHARD H. BARHAM. 367 UP THE AISLE-NELL LATINE'S WED DING. AKE my cloak-and now fix my veil, Jen TAKE ny; How silly to cover one's face! I might as well be an old woman; But then there's one comfort-it's lace. Well, what has become of those ushers! Oh, Pa! have you got my bouquet?— I'll freeze standing here in the lobbyWhy doesn't the organist play !— They've started at last-what a bustle Stop, Pa-they're not far enough-wait! One minute more-now!-do keep step, Pa! There, drop my trail, Jane !-is it straight? I hope I look timid, and shrinking; The church must be perfectly full Good gracious! now don't walk so fast, Pa!— UP THE AISLE. He don't seem to think that trains pull. The chancel at last-mind the step, Pa!— I don't feel embarrassed at all. But, my! what's the minister saying? Oh, I know; that part 'bout Saint Paul. I hope my position is graceful; How awkwardly Nelly Dane stood! "Not lawfully be joined together Now speak"-as if any one would!Oh, dear! now it's my turn to answer I do wish that Pa would stand still. "Serve him, love, honor, and keep him"How sweetly he says it-I will. Where's Pa?-there, I knew he'd forget it, When the time came to give me away "I, Helena, take thee-love-cherish And"-well, I can't help it-" obey." Here, Maud, take my bouquet-don't drop it! I hope Charley's not lost the ring; UP THE AISLE. Just like him!-no-goodness, how heavy! It's really an elegant thing. It's a shame to kneel down in white satin And the flounce, real old lace-but I must; I hope that they've got a clean cushion, They're usually covered with dust. All over-ah! thanks !-now, don't fuss, Pa!— Just throw back my veil, Charley-there Oh, bother! why couldn't he kiss me Without mussing up all my hair! Your arm, Charley, there goes the organ Who'd think there would be such a crowd; Oh, I mustn't look round, I'd forgotten See, Charley, who was it that bowed Why it's Nelly Allaire with her husband- 'Most all of my things were imported, And she had a home-made trousseau. And there's Annie Wheeler-Kate Hermon, A VALENTINE. I didn't expect her at all, If she's not in that same old blue satin She wore at the Charity Ball! Is that Fanny Wade?-Edith Pearton And Emma, and Jo-all the girls? I knew that they'd not miss my wedding I hope they'll all notice my pearls. Is the carriage there?—give me my cloak, Jane Don't get it all over my veil— No! you take the other seat, Charley, I need all this for my trail. GEO. A. BAKER, JR. A VALENTINE. WELL, yes, of course it must be so; No argument can shake it— If one will offer up a heart, The other need but take it. |