COURTSHIP AND MATRIMONY. A poem, in two Cantos.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume VI, Issue 464, 12 January 1850, Page 3

COURTSHIP AND MATRIMONY. A poem, in two Cantos.

CANTO THE FIRST — COURTSHIP. Fairest of earth ! if thou wilt hear my vow, Low at thy feet, I swear to love thee ever; And, by this kiss upon thy radiant brow, Promise affection which no time shall sever ; And love which e'er shall burn as bright as now, To be extinguished — never, dearest — never ! Wilt thou that naughty, fluttering heart resign? Catherine ! my own sweet Kate ! wilt thou be mine ! Thou shalt have pearls to deck thy raven hair— Thou shalt have all this world of ours can bring ; And we will live in solitude, nor care For aught save for each other. We will fling Away all sorrow — Eden shall be there ! And thou shalt be my queen, and I thy king ! Still coy, and still reluctant? Sweetheart, say, When shall we monarchs be ? and which the day ?

CANTO THE SECOND — MATRIMONY. Now, Mrs. Pringle, once for all I say I will not such extravagance allow ! Bills upon bills, and larger every day, Enough to drive a man to drink, I vow ! Bonnets, gloves, frippery, and trash — nay, nay, Tears, Mrs. Pringle, will not gull me now. I say, I won't allow ten pounds a week ; I can't afford it; Madam, do not speak. In wedding you I thought I had a treasure ; I find myself most miserably mistaken ; YouTise-at-ten, thexuspend the- day in pleasure :- In fact, my confidence is slightly shaken. Ha ! what's that uproar ? This, ma'am, is my leisure ; Sufficient noise the slnmbering dead to waken ! I seek retirement, and I find — a riot J Confound those children, but I'll make them quiet.