Classic Poem

I.

Beneath the elm tree as she sat t'other day,
I happened by chance to be strolling that way —
I'll tell you the case to a tittle.
I avowed all my passion, my ardour extreme,
I squeezed her fair fingers, while love was my theme,
And of course she resisted — a little.

II.

The weather was warm; on the branches above
Sat two little turtles, the emblems of love,
Whose cooing taught us to be tender;
And sweet looked my charmer beneath the elm-tree;
" Ah! spare my confusion and blushes, " says she,
" Bewitching, dear youth, I surrender . "

III.

" 'Pon honour! 'tis true; she expressed every word
Of what I have uttered — of what you have heard —
But prithee now why this surprise, sir?
Do you think that a man of my figure could miss?
" Did she stammer pray, sir, in expressing all this? "
No; it all was expressed by her eyes, sir.