The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1881-08-13
an 0LD-EAsHIoNED W0OING..


Footprints of some shy lover show io a'
Gi Where they go - I,4..u s-tf
From village to farm, in the morning snow.
The farmer, fiorid and well to do,
Busters, ''Who ' 10 Nf DID,.
Is that bashful boy comes here to WOO" ..,..
With burning bushes and downcast eyes, 81.
Nellie tries
To tell her trouble, but only cries.
The simple secret which poor Nell WlC 4ii
tn Cannot tell, sh..t.f.l.5..
The anxious mother interprets well. p" -.f
And out of wise and tender heart,
. Takes the part ~ ... .lI
or her child, with gentle, persuasive art.
Somebody once came wooing me, ...s.
Sly as he!
They may be poor, but so were we. .-.ifG ~
"'No matter for wealth and grand display
+.,,. You would say:
'We can be happyP Then why can't they?
ave are proud, who were humble then; but
High or low, '' '''
Happier days we shall never know" u- Oh
"Pooh, pooh! well, wenP' He yields assent,
i.IT But must vent !. .ft.e rs Cd.
His grudgng fatherly discomfort.
That she, their child, so jealousy reared,
BY AZ e they have borne for her' hopeu ana
From them and their love should turn away,
To obey i-DEi auirl BE-. .-.t
The same old law in the old way.
And placing her hand in the hand of a man,
Work and plan, ." -".t
Beginning the world they began. !, i.t .....t. ..
He yields assent: the bright heaven clears.
The red dawn breaks through her doubts and
fears. I'm
The days bring signs of a coming change: b,
What is the strange i' t,'f'
New raimentthe busy hands arrange? .s DO.
The patterns they draft, and the seams they
In the alow ,o GHI ~3tu.
Ofthe clear dusk, over the rosy snow, l,,.-
The lover comes to the farmers door; a.faT
But no more
Shy and abasheu, IT'S heretofore, ~ '..lt
But manly of mien and open browed, ''t'''.'
Pleased and proud uu.l 3.r.G
That his love is approved and his suit allowed.
For the father, who frowned atlast has smiled,
Reconciled, at 4.t H..tfF t'
On the modest youth who has won his child
"Right sort of chap; L like his wayl .f
What dye say?
Wen have him at dinner Christmas day."
wild, white world lies all around,
Winter bound r... ...
River and roof and tree and ground,
And the windows are all at Christmas time
Thick with rhine. ..t o.
But the poultry is fat and the cider prime.
The thankful mother brings forth her best
For the guest;
And the father is merry with tale and jest.
Ruby jellies in autumn stored ~
Crown the board;
The goose is carved and the cider poured.
The house shows never, in all the year.
Better cheer, J - ifl u .t
For guest more honored or friend more dear.
Here the doctor has sat, and as he quaffed
Praised the draft;
At those old stories the parson has laughed.
And there With his host by the fire. the great
Has pulled, i'll familiar tete-a -tete.
The daughter listens, and glad is she,
Glad to see .t..r..
Father and lover so well agree.
She listens , and watches, with JOY and pride,
The glorious chimney, glowing wide,
They bask in the blaze of the bounteous oak.
Mt. Bask and smoke,
Ana the young man laughs at the elders Joke
Lovers laughter, that will not fail 20.
Through the tale fa'st,.
BE sometimes dull, or the joke be stale.
He will laugh and jest or in grayer mood
Listen to good,
Sagacious counsel, as young men should.
He reasons well; and his wit is found ....s
Sharp and sound;
He can pass opinion and stand his ground.
Feats of strength and of foolery, too,
When he joins in the games of the younger
crew. ..itf- B -
He opens his watch for the boys to see, '
On his knee; ...t a... - ., ...s
And sings them merry song, maybe.
She shares his triumph, and thrilled TO tears
Overhears ID -It rf't|
Words meant for only the mothers ears. .,,
SWELL yes" says the farmer, all aglow. ..r
Speaking low;
las likely fellow as any know" @:
To her pleased fancy the sweetest word N
Ever heard.
His praise of the man her love preferredi
And well may parent and child rejoice
...Nr. When the voice .at'l D ...I..
OF prudence approves the young hearts
choice f'f IIH~ '.f'iI'
In spring the lovers pass elate ''' t
Through the gate hoes. ....- i....
With golden hinges and bolts of fate
The gate swings open; the gate is passed.
And at last 49, ~ 80 b
For evil or good the bolts are fast
She may bid farewell or linger still. t...f
And at will
Her feet may often recross the sill, i .Hp
us Ilif s4- stps..-f ftt. s-fI..I ..f H
And tread again the familiar floor;
'i.N'f ti Yeta door tl .....
Has closed behind her forevermore.
j. Z. Trow6fidge, in YOUTHS C'onspantoH
A "BO0K AGENTo AT THE PAR.