The Lazy Minstrel. Ashby-Sterry Joseph

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      We grasped a massive balustrade —

      The date, they said, was Sixteen Thirty —

      The way was dark, and I'm afraid

      We found the staircase rather dirty.

      Those grim old stairs to Harry's Den —

      We clomb them gaily, nothing daunted —

      They still by Warrington and Pen,

      And other pleasant ghosts are haunted!

      Ah, what a spot, my dearest Rose,

      To muse upon this queer old Den is!

      To catalogue its curios

      I'm sure unable quite my pen is!

      But from its panes we gaze upon

      The misty midday sun a-quiver;

      The red-sailed barges drifting on,

      The sparkle of the dear old River!

      Then mingling sweetly one perceives —

      'Mid laughter light and girlish gabble —

      The sighing of the autumn leaves,

      And singing of the Fountain's babble!

      How quick my thoughts drift back again

      To those bright happy days at Hurley —

      A pleasure strongly dashed with pain —

      (O, Harry's locks are brown and curly!)

      But, Rose, the luncheon! It was grand —

      The oak you know, my love, was sported —

      And all the speeches, understand,

      Were much too good to be reported.

      There's Clarry and big Charlie Clough —

      It is a case! I think they'll marry —

      I wonder who is good enough

      For handsome, grey-eyed, laughing Harry?

      It soon grew dark, but I could see

      That clearly no one did desire light;

      For Tina and young Freddy B.

      Were spooning by the fitful firelight.

      We stayed till late, for Mrs. S.

      The most enduring chaperone is.

      And Harry sang! I must confess

      His voice the richest baritone is.

      Ah, how the moments quickly flit

      In song and talk and playful banter!

      The motto on the sundial writ

      Is Pereunt et imputantur.

      I'm rather sad! Ah, what's the use?

      I know you'll think I'm very silly;

      Although I am a little goose,

      I always am, your loving Milly.