Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1866-02-06
Poetical.
MY PROPOSAL.

Il was a beautiful night and the bright moonlight
O'er the hills and valleys was PLAYING;
And the light snow was quite arropos,
Twas beautiful night for sleIghtng'
Old Billy, our grey, harnessed up the sleigh
With his head quite high and lofty,
And taking my seat he dashed up the street,
At gait not quite two-forty.
AT every bound-how sweet the sound
OF the bells low I;nklihg tones,
But here must stoH, at the millinery shop,
Ofmy sweet Maggie Jones.
found Maggie all dressed she said she had guessed
That would take her to ride,
So, closing the door, she locked up the store,
And seated herself by my side.
Every one knows that lis hard to propose,
Although 1t frosty weather.
7 ne'er' shall 70: yet how like bAzeS sweat
As we SAL in the sleigh close together.
I hardly knew how but I'd recorded a VOW.
That that night should settle my fate,
For. betW cen me aud you, know it is true,
That Ills best 10 be eSrly than late.
] mate a slight cough. just to lead of,
Before should prOfer the question,
J spoke of the night, how charming and bright,
And made-well, its no use TO mention.
But, do what would, tried al | could,
The important quest on to pop,
But hen the words hung on the end of my tongue
I'll be darui if did nj just stop.
We had often been 10 walk, twas easy to talk,
But that night twas surely no go,
For IN the sleigh, all we could say
Was TO answer short yes no.
Said 'tis beautiful night and Maggie said quite
In tone by no means offended,
l said pretty soon, =" lat beautiful moon "
And Maggie responded "twss splendid
Turning my head, dear Maggie,'I said
In a tone quite sweet and c"n6diug-
Il love-I,' with a lOuk very sly,
Said Mag, so do this splendid sleigh riding
was little amused, but greatly confused,
AT Maggie's quiet expression,
thought then wFat fool had been,
might as well make confession.
Said I, citing hold, Mag, don't you feel cold p
My heart was all in hutter-
what, dear Mag, what do you think ofmy naS?
was just enabled TO siuter
Said Mag. with surprise, with bright flashing eyes,
am suIol WAS thea looking silly
WHY, Johnny, you know, in voice sweet and low.
i never WAS acquainted with Billy
happened by chance TO catch sly glance
OF smile on Ma gie's face,
naturally thought thai had got caught,
g And twas best to resign with good grace.
felt like the iuce but thought it no use,
No chance would now be afforded,
OF course felt queer, we were fast drawing near
The house where dear Maggie boarded.
But, we round corner found
The sleigh uncertain angle,
And out in tie snow we quickly did go,
Rohes. Maggie and |, in tangle.
We rose to our feet, Mag was hi:e as sheet
'TwOuld IN de an effect TO have tainted,
But Mag stood erect, but Still suspect
Tha. ne got somewhat better acquainted.
Old Billy he stood as still as he could.
He always careful and steady,
For had learned him TIE art never 10 start
. Till gave him The word was ready.
righted the sleigh and slowed the things all away
And then thought had rather,
AS it was laIe just 10 settle my fate,
Before we should go any farther.
As stood in the snow, said Mag won't go'-
now was getting quite nertlel-
i want you 10 say, lie ore you get the sleigh,
For It's time this question was settled
TO me it is clear and You know, Maggie dear
That want fond loving wife,
The question is whether shall both together,
Go on through the journey otlif=?
Beneath the bright heaven her answer was given,
There was one for joking like M-g,
She said N good style, with very arch SMILE
j had rather have you than the nag
said not word, but we both cot aboard,
Ever Billy he felt quite elarrd
And, giving him the rein, were off again,
For feared we were getting belated.
In few minues close up to tie door,
My afiauced La'lantly drove her;
SAID mag with delight, she hid good might
John, it was lucky the horse tipped US over