free-verse20 lines

Valentines - I. To Mistress Barbara

There were three cavaliers, all handsome and true,

On Valentine's day came a maiden to woo,

And quoth to your mother: "Good-morrow, my dear,

We came with some songs for your daughter to hear!"

Your mother replied: "I'll be pleased to convey

To my daughter what things you may sing or may say!"

Then the first cavalier sung: "My pretty red rose,

I'll love you and court you some day, I suppose!"

And the next cavalier sung, with make-believe tears:

"I've loved you! I've loved you these many long years!"

But the third cavalier (with the brown, bushy head

And the pretty blue jacket and necktie of red)

He drew himself up with a resolute air,

And he warbled: "O maiden, surpassingly fair!

I've loved you long years, and I love you to-day,

And, if you will let me, I'll love you for aye!"

I (the third cavalier) sang this ditty to you,

In my necktie of red and my jacket of blue;

I'm sure you'll prefer the song that was mine

And smile your approval on your valentine.