Page:The Poets and Poetry of the West.djvu/101

1830-40.] JOHN FINLEY. 85 White heads, hare feet and dirty faces, Seemed much inclined to keep their places ; But madam, anxious to display Her rough but undisputed sway, Her offspring to the ladder led, And cuffed the youngsters up to bed. Invited shortly to partake. Of venison, milk, and johnny-cake. The stranger made a hearty meal, And glances round the room would steal. One side was lined with divers garments, The other, spread with skins of varmints ; Dried pumpkins overhead were strung. Where venison hams in plenty hung ; Two rifles placed above the door, Three dogs lay stretched upon the floor — In short, the domicil was rife With specimens of Hoosier life. The host, who center'd his aflfections On game, and range and quarter sections. Discoursed his weary guest for hours Till Somnus' all-composing powers, Of sublunary cares bereft 'em; And then I come away, and left 'em. A WIFE WANTED. Ye fair ones attend, I've an offer to make ye. In Hymen's soft bands I am anxious to live; For better, for worse, a companion I'll take me, Provided she fills the description I give. I neither expect nor can hope for perfection, For that never yet-was a bachelor's lot. But, choosing a wife, I would make a se- lection. Which many in my situation would not. I'd have — let me see — no — I'd not have a beauty, For beautiful women are apt to be vain. Yet with a small share, I would think it a duty— To take her, be thankful, and never com- plain. Her form must be good, without art to con- strain it. And rather above than below middle size; A something (it puzzles my brain to ex- plain it) Like eloquent language, must flow from her eyes. She must be well-bred or I could not re- spect her, Good-natured and modest, but not very coy; Her mind well-formed — 'tis the purified nectar That sweetens the cup of hymenial joy. Her home she must love, and domestic em- ployment — Have practical knowledge of household affairs ; And make it a part of her highest enjoy- ment To soften my troubles, and lighten my cares. Her age I would have at the least to be twenty. But not to exceed twenty-five at the most; And girls of that age being every where plenty, I hope to get one of the numerous host. No fortune I ask, for I've no predilection For glitter and show, or the pomp of high life ; I wish to be bound by the cords of affec- tion — And now I have drawn you a sketch of a wife.