Classic Poem

There are four little letters that live in my heart—
An L, and an O, and a V, and an E,
And at sound of your name those letters will start
And form into line like a drilled company!

They are brave little warriors, faithful and true,
Four guardsmen, as leal as were o'er known to fame;
Their captain is L, and I need not tell you
How they spring into line at the sound of your name.

My heart is their fortress, and every day
It echoes with melody, martial and sweet;
At the sound of your name their bugles will play,
And I hark for the sound of their hurrying feet.

At the sound of your name they delight to hold fast
My heart 'gainst all comers, whoever they be;
They will keep its green ramparts 'til life is o'er-past—
My four good defenders—L, O, V, and E.