Love's Sacrifice

When I asked my dear Edwin to shave I'd never a thought of denial; He'd been such an absolute slave, I put his devotion on trial. But his eye threw a sinister dart, His features grew dogged and grave ; Still I hardly expected to part When I asked him to shave. He refused, and seemed eager to jest, Till he saw my determined expression. A moustache, he said, suited him best, And helped in his budding profession. ' What! Like yours' I replied with a sneer. He smiled when my temper grew hot, And when I indulged in a tear He said, ' Certainly not.' 'Twas enough, and I said what I felt, Indignant and adamant-hearted, On some of his drawbacks I dwelt He took up his hat and departed. I waited and waited in vain. Disconsolate, haggard and white, I wrestled each day with my pain Till Saturday night. Then I wrote and confessed I was wrong, My hand with emotion was shaking, I prayed him to come before long To the heart that was his and was breaking. Three terrible hours did I wait ; He came and my reason was saved. Then I saw what had made him so late My Edwin had shaved.