Cross-Purposes

F. T. Cooper, in “The Harvard Lampoon”

WE have paused to watch the quiver

Of faint moonbeams on the river,

By the gate.

We have heard something 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 stoop 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.”