THE CARPENTER'S WOOING.

"Oh, beam my life, my awl to me!" He cried, his flame addressing— "If I 'adze such a love as yours, I'd ask no other blessing!" "I am rejoist to hear you speak," The maiden said with laughter— "For tho' I hammer guileless girl, It's plane what you are rafter. Now if file love you just a bit, What further can you ax me? Can—will you be content with that, Or will you further tacks me?" He looked handsaw her words were square— "No rival can displace me— Yes, one more favor I implore, And that is, dear Em, brace me!" She came full chisel to his arms; It really made him stair To have her make a bolt for him Before he could prepare. He tried to screw his courage up, And did his level best To nail the matter then and there, While clasped unto her breast. Says he: "It augers well for me, All seems to hinge on this; And, what is mortise plane to see The porch child wants a kiss." He kissed her lip, he kissed her cheek, And called her his adoored— He dons his claw-hammer next week, And she will share his board.