LOVE.

Canst thou love me, lady?

I've not learn'd to woo:

Thou art on the shady

Side of sixty too.

Still I love thee dearly!

Thou hast lands and pelf:

But I love thee merely

Merely for thyself.

Wilt thou love me, fairest?

Though thou art not fair;

And I think thou wearest

Someone-else's hair.

Thou could'st love, though, dearly:

And, as I am told,

Thou art very nearly

Worth thy weight, in gold.

Dost thou love me, sweet one?

Tell me that thou dost!

Women fairly beat one,

But I think thou must.

Thou art loved so dearly:

I am plain, but then

Thou ( to speak sincerely )

Art as plain again.

Love me, bashful fairy!

I've an empty purse:

And I've “moods,” which vary;

Mostly for the worse.

Still, I love thee dearly:

Though I make ( I feel )

Love a little queerly,

I'm as true as steel.

Love me, swear to love me

( As, you know, they do )

By yon heaven above me

And its changeless blue.

Love me, lady, dearly,

If you'll be so good;

Though I do n't see clearly

On what ground you should.

Love me — ah or love me

Not, but be my bride!

Do not simply shove me

( So to speak ) aside!

P'raps it would be dearly

Purchased at the price;

But a hundred yearly

Would be very nice.