A VALENTINE'S SONG 31
A VALENTINE'S SONG
MOTLEY I count the only wear
That suits, in this mixed world, the truly wise. Who boldly smile upon despair
And shake their bells in Grandam'Grundy's eyes. Singers should sing with such a goodly cheer
That the bare listening should make strong like
wine, At this unruly time of year,
The Feast of Valentine,
We do not now parade our " oughts "
And " shoulds " and motives an<p beliefs in God. Their life lies all indoors ; sad thoughts
Must keep the house, while gay ^thoughts go abroad. Within we hold the wake for hopefe deceased;
But in the public streets, in wincjl or sun. Keep open, at the annual feast,
The puppet-booth of fun.
Our powers, perhaps, are small to*please, But even negro-songs and castanettes,
Old jokes and hackneyed reparteest Are more than the parade of vai|i regrets.