I REMEMBER, I REMEMBER

I REMEMBER, I remember,

The house where I was wed,

And the little room from which that night

My smiling bride was led.

She didn't come a wink too soon,

Nor make too long a stay;

But now I often wish her folks

Had kept the girl away!

I remember, I remember,

Her dresses, red and white,

Her bonnets and her caps and cloaks,—

They cost an awful sight!

The "corner lot" on which I built,

And where my brother met

At first my wife, one washing-day,—

That man is single yet!

I remember, I remember,

Where I was used to court,

And thought that all of married life

Was just such pleasant sport:—

My spirit flew in feathers then,

No care was on my brow;

I scarce could wait to shut the gate,—

I'm not so anxious now!

I remember, I remember,

My dear one's smile and sigh;

I used to think her tender heart

Was close against the sky.

It was a childish ignorance,

But now it soothes me not

To know I'm farther off from Heaven

Than when she wasn't got!

Phœbe Cary.