Classic Poem

We met, how blithe my laughter rang,
And yours fared forth in sparkling billows,
And through the pearls and corals sang,
And flashed beneath your eyelids' willows.

I went into the night, each star
Was bright as when it glowed on Adam;
I struck a match—lit my cigar,
And said: “So, so, I'll flirt with Madam.”

And flirt we did, nor did I fear
The witchery of those glancing eyes,
Would darken all I then held dear,
Make light all things I ought to prize;

My pulse was high, my heart was gay,
My purpose strong 'gainst all fate hurled;
But now, old hopes no longer stay,
And you could lure me round the world.