Fancies and Thoughts in Verse (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1904. Excerpt: ... "Perfidious villain, go," He heard, retreating. Thus was lost. It always happens so. Philadelphia, 1871 FUMIGATION The Summer closed and Ethel's heart Indulged in frequent palpitation, For one young gallant seemed to smart With prickly heat of love's creation. The day of parting came and yet, While Horace wore a face dejected, His words of diffident regret Were not at all the words expected. And why? Her father's skillful work As chemist marked rich portion pending And Horace, though a stately clerk At bank, might still be condescending. The fair one at her rural home, Passed some days in protracted musing, While joys and fears like sea side foam Dashed fitfully, to hope's abusing. But suddenly the door bell rang rang One morning and the servant, smiling, Brought Ethel, as she upward sprang, A gift of roses most beguiling. A card the hoped for name revealed And, mutely, its address requested Some dainty note, securely sealed And by her jewelled signet crested. A dozen efforts met the flame Ere one acknowledging the flowers A rival in perfume became 'Mid her sachet for several hours, Whence, odorous of violet, It issued, without more delaying, To bear by mail fair Ethel's debt Of thanks in words much more betraying. Thus to the city quickly flew The note and with a host awaited Delivery, but, ah, how true The danger of a thing belated. An epidemic spread abroad Made disinfecting methods needed That very noon, nor could afford The town to let them go unheeded. The postmaster left naught in doubt But, with a resolution placid, He had the letters all spread out And fumed them with carbolic acid. Alas for love in such a test, Alas perfume of sweetest flowers. Well may poor Romance beat her breast And let her tears descend in showers. Fair Ethel's fumigated not...