Page:Maryland, my Maryland, and other poems - Randall - 1908.pdf/135

 I’ll button-hole old Villabobia, Prating of bonnets and Zenobia— Bombastes B and hydrophobia.

Of Fremont—Brutus (Junius Lucius)— Seward—Scæzola (baptized Mutius)— Of Mother Goose and Kean Confucius.

All womankind shall learn to rue it; I’ll drench my locks with mutton suet, And guard the corners—young men do it!

Upon reflection, I will not Become an interesting sot, And sprout a nasal apricot!

Philosophy shall be obeyed; I’ll puff my meerschaum in the shade, And live to see you an old maid!

A starch old maid with snuff and chat, With crippled curls and—think of that— A fusty parrot and—a cat!

Alack! and what shall I be then? Perchance a Bedouin with men— Perchance a starved wolf in my den.