REDUCTIO AD ABSURDUM.

I had come from the city early

That Saturday afternoon;

I sat with Beatrix under the trees

In the mossy orchard; the golden bees

Buzzed over clover-tops, pink and pearly;

I was at peace, and inclined to spoon.

We were stopping awhile with mother,

At the quiet country place

Where first we'd met, one blossomy May,

And fallen in love — so the dreamy day

Brought to my memory many another

In the happy time when I won her grace.

Days in the bright Spring weather,

When the twisted, rough old tree

Showered down apple-blooms, dainty and sweet,

That swung in her hair, and blushed at her feet;

Sweet was her face as we lingered together,

And dainty the kisses my love gave me.

“Dear love, are you recalling

The old days, too?” I said.

Her sweet eyes filled, and with tender grace

She turned and rested her blushing face

Against my shoulder; a sunbeam falling

Through the leaves above us crowned her head.

And so I held her, trusting

That none was by to see;

A sad mistake — for low, but clear,

This feminine comment reached my ear:

“Married for ages — it's just disgusting —

Such actions — and, Fred, they've got our tree!”