The Colonel.

The Colonel!--Such a creature! I met him at the ball!-- So fair in form and feature, And so divinely tall! He praised my dimpled cheeks and curls, While whirling through the dance, And matched me with the dark-eyed girls Of Italy and France! He said, in accents thrilling-- 'Love's boundless as the sea; And I, dear maid, am willing To give up all for thee!' I heard him--blushed--'Would ask mamma'-- And then my eyes grew dim! He looked--I said, 'Mamma--papa-- I'd give up all for him!' My governor is rich and old; This well the Colonel knew. 'Love's wings,' he said, 'when fringed with gold, Are beautiful to view!' I thought his 'havior quite the ton, Until I saw him stare When merely told that--brother--John-- Papa--would--make--his--heir! Next day and the day after I dressed for him in vain; Was moved to tears and laughter-- He never came again! But I have heard, for Widow Dash He bought the bridal ring; And he will we her for her cash-- The ugly, hateful thing!