The lights were low--lights often are--
I deem the fact though worth the noting,
And strains of music from afar
Came softly floating.

So whilst she pondered what Mamma
Would think, the band commenced to play
The epidemical "_Ta-ra-_
_ra-boom-de-ay!_"

He gazed into her eyes (of blue),
Sighed once as if it hurt him badly,
Then told her how 'twas but too true
He loved her madly.

With highly creditable skill
He turned the well-worn platitude--
His own unworthiness until
You really could

Not but admire each word, each look.
His speech was quite unrivalled in its
Intensity--in fact it took
At least ten minutes.

A peroration full of flowers,
A moisture in his other eye,
And then a pause--it seemed of hours--
For her reply.