Pearson’s Xmas ’Xtra, 1903
 

 

I.

On my lady’s white doorstep I linger,
 I have news which I’m eager to tell,
Yet, somehow, my neatly-gloved finger
 Shrinks coyly from pressing the bell.
I love her amazingly, dearly;
 I have come here to tell her so now.
But, alas! I’m in doubt if I clearly
 Know how!

II.

Shall I whisper my passionate pleadings,
 Or try a stage-villainous hiss?
At what point in the tender proceedings
 Shall I venture to ask for a kiss?
When I call her a goddess, or queen, or
 An angel, I might strike my chest;
Or would a mere placid demeanour
 Be best.

III.

Shall I mention my qualifications
 To make her a suitable mate?
Shall I drag in my titled relations—
 On my personal beauty dilate?
Shall I say I’m as rich as one need be?
 Shall I slide my right arm round her waist?
Or would in her eyes such a deed be
 Bad taste?

IV.

Shall I find it my best plan to flatter,
 Or trust to a business-like speech?
I am simply a child in the matter—
 A child, whom there’s no one to teach.
For the rather remarkable fact is,
 Though I’ve read of such scenes by the score,
I have never essayed one in practice
 Before.

V.

Shall I swear with astonishing fervor
 That I love her far better than life?
Or own that I do not deserve her,
 Yet gladly would call her my wife?
Shall I make my voice tremble with feeling?
 Or charm her with flashes of wit?
Shall I speak to her standing, or kneeling,
 Or sit?

VI.

Ah, well! I had best get it over;
 I can’t haunt this doorstep all day.
When a man comes to call as a lover,
 He chafes at the smallest delay.
Though I charm, or displease, or amaze her,
 I shall end all this worry and doubt
(Presses bell.)
The Butler: “Miss Hester, I’m sorry to say, sir,
 Is out!”