Classic Poem

Alternative version

My Aunt said I must marry, since there was none but I,
And the family would all be lost, if I should chance to die,
And we're all &c.

So we talked it o'er and o'er, but what with cons and pros,
It was long before we settled to whom I should propose.
For we're all &c.

At last it was decided, and trembling off I set,
And I learnt my speech by heart, for fear I should forget,
For we're all &c.

I found she was alone, but when we were together,
I considered what to talk about, and hit upon the weather,
For we're all &c.

I thought of my proposal, but that I'd quite forgot;
And could only mumble out, " Don't you think it very hot?"
For we're all &c.

I twiddled with my thumbs, and I look'd upon the floor;
And the Lady look'd at me, which made me shakier than before,
For we're all &c.

So I fairly ran away, for I could not stammer out,
And she never could discover what the deuce I came about,
For we're all &c.

And having failed the first time, for fear of being derided,
I shall never try again — or at least I'm not decided,
For we're all &c.