TWO VALENTINES

There were three cavaliers, all handsome and true,

On Valentine's day came a maiden to woo,

And quoth to your mother: “Good-morrow, my dear,

We came with some songs for your daughter to hear!”

Your mother replied: “I'll be pleased to convey

To my daughter what things you may sing or may say!”

Then the first cavalier sung: “My pretty red rose,

I'll love you and court you some day, I suppose!”

And the next cavalier sung, with make-believe tears:

“I've loved you! I've loved you these many long years!”

But the third cavalier ( with the brown, bushy head

And the pretty blue jacket and necktie of red )

He drew himself up with a resolute air,

And he warbled: “O maiden, surpassingly fair!

I've loved you long years, and I love you to-day,

And, if you will let me, I'll love you for aye!”

I ( the third cavalier ) sang this ditty to you,

In my necktie of red and my jacket of blue;

I'm sure you'll prefer the song that was mine

And smile your approval on your valentine.