Page:All quiet along the Potomac and other poems.djvu/304

298 I wonder if olden-time lovers
 * Had tender and sweet things to say—

To think that this same "George" was grandpa, Not gouty, nor halting, nor gray!

"My darling Amelia"—that's grandma;
 * Just fancy the blessed old dear

Being young and the belle of the village,
 * In a bonnet and mantle so queer!—

"My darling Amelia,

Without you
 * I find the days weary and long;"

This sounds very like Charlie's letter.
 * Do they all sing the very same song?

Oh, grandpa, to think of your writing
 * Such terrible nonsense as this,

About "love in a cottage," to grandma, With such a big "B" to the "bliss"! Oh, you promise,

"Most lovely Amelia,
 * The winds shall not roughen your cheek;"

But, grandpa, how then did it happen
 * You let her bring wood for a week?

I read: "When I win you, my darling,
 * I'll guard you and keep you from care."

Oh, grandpa, who cured all the bacon?
 * Who washed out the place for the fair?

"Ever sleeping or waking, Amelia,
 * I'll keep thee from harm evermore."