THE COLOURED FORTUNE-HUNTER
Reading edition
Pete Jonsing went to see the County Clerk
About a marriage license, and the man
Said unto him for fun, but seriously:
“I hope the bride possesses fifty cents,
Because the Legislature’s passed a law
That any girl with less must not be wed.”
“Jis’ go ahead wid dat ’ar paper, Boss,”
Peter replied; then whispered, bending down:
“Dar’s rumers—and dey is reliable—
Dat de young woman dat I’m goin’ fur
Has got two dollars and a quarter—shoa.
And dat’s de reason wy I marries her.”