Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895.
William Brighty Rands 182380Polly
B
Straight nose;
Dirt pies,
Rumpled clothes;
Spoilt toys;
Arch looks,
Unlike a boy’s;
Obvious arts;
(Three her age is,)
Cakes, tarts;
Off chairs;
Breaking crown
Down stairs;
On the pane;
Deep sighs,—
Cause not plain;
With kisses
For a few
Farthing blisses;
As you hear,
“Mercy’s sake,
Quiet, dear!”
New frock,
Vague views
Of what’s o’clock,
To go to bed,
And scorn sublime
For what it said;
Saying prayers,
Understands
Not, nor cares;
Smiles away;
Yet may God
Hear her pray!
Kiss Dolly;
Goodnight!—
That ’s Polly.
As you see;
Heaven keep
My girl for me!