BECAUSE!

Sweet Nea!—for your lovely sake I weave these rambling numbers, Because I’ve lain an hour awake, And can’t compose my slumbers; Because your beauty’s gentle light Is round my pillow beaming, And flings, I know not why, to-night, Some witchery o’er my dreaming! Because we’ve passed some joyous days, And danced some merry dances; Because you love old Beaumont’s plays, And old Froissart’s romances! Because, whene’er I hear your words, Some pleasant feeling lingers; Because I think your heart has chords That vibrate to my fingers! Because you’ve got those long, soft curls I’ve sworn should deck my goddess; Because you’re not, like other girls, All bustle, blush, and bodice! Because your eyes are deep and blue, Your fingers long and rosy; Because a little child and you Would make one’s home so cosy! Because your little tiny nose Turns up so pert and funny; Because I know you choose your beaux More for their mirth than money; Because I think you’d rather twirl A waltz, with me to guide you, Than talk small nonsense with an Earl, And a coronet beside you! Because you don’t object to walk, And are not given to fainting; Because you have not learned to talk Of flowers and Poonah-painting; Because I think you’d scarce refuse To sew one on a button; Because I know you’d sometimes choose To dine on simple mutton! Because I think I’m just so weak As, some of those fine morrows, To ask you if you’ll let me speak My story—and my sorrows: Because the rest’s a simple thing, A matter quickly over, A church—a priest—a sigh—a ring— And a chaise-and-four for Dover!