Page:Poems Elliott.djvu/25

A Modern Valentine

Of roses red and violets blue,
Of hearts forever warm and true,
I sing not, as the stately beau,
To damsel fair, of long ago.
This simple song would only bore
The modern damsel—furthermore
I am not sure it would be so—
I am no beau of long ago.

I beg thee now, as each man ought to,
Accept my heart and hand and auto;
Flounce out in all thy pretty frills,
And let me meekly pay the bills.
You see that what I said is so—
I am no beau of long ago.

For Bridge debts and for theater box
I'll gladly furnish all the "rocks."
If you will only smile on me
When handing out my cup of tea.
I am quite sure that now you know
I am no beau of long ago.

I know that all this new devotion
Just suits the modern damsel's notion—
Yet while I dream beside the fire,
And picture out my heart's desire,
I wish I were—yes, you must know—
That happy beau of long ago.

Aetat 16.