Classic Poem

I saw her roll by in her carriage,
Lolling there in luxurious pride;
She has grown very fine since her marriage,
Though her husband, just then glancing up, he
Didn't seem at all pleased with his bride.

In fact, he looked angry and jealous;
She was fondling a pug at her chin,
With kisses, affectionate, zealous —
Bah! a woman so fond of a puppy
Is ugly, though charming as sin!

Just then I espied on the crossing
A poorly dressed woman and plain,
Caressingly dandling and tossing,
In a manner as gentle as may be,
Her baby, again and again.

She peeked 'neath the cunning poke bonnet
At the tiny face nestling within,
And her eyes, as they feasted upon it —
Why, a woman so fond of a baby
Is charming, though ugly as sin!