What A Pity!

1895

We had passed to watch the quiver
Of faint moonbeams on the river,
By the gate.
We had heard, seemed, some one calling,
And a heavy dew is falling;
Yet We wait.

It is no doubt very silly
To stay out in all this chilly
Evening mist.
Still I linger, hesitating,
For her lips are plainly waiting
To be kissed.

So I stopped to take possession
Of the coveted concession
On the spot.
But she draws back with discreetness,
Saying, with tormenting sweetness,
"I guess not."

Her whole manner is provoking.
"Oh, well, I was only joking,"
I reply.
She looks penitently pretty
As she answers: "What a pity!
So was I."

— Harvard Lampoon.