A New England Valentine

O, SWEET little maid of a Puritan line, O, dear little maid of a Puritan town, On the morn of that saint whom they name Valentine, I am asking a boon,—and I pray do not frown; For, coy little Puritan maid of to-day, I ask but a quaint little Puritan "Yea."

Look around on the walls of your Puritan home, Where your prim lady ancestors hang in a row, In quaint little kerchiefs, in cap and in comb; Take counsel by them, dear, for well do you know You would not be here, little maiden, to-day If they had not spoken that Purtian "Yea."

Your pride is in them, and your faith and your love; Ah, is there not some overflowing for me? They lived long ago, and they hang far above, I am nearer and younger,—Ah, cannot it be? Then send me an answer this Valentine's day, But pray it be not that cold Puritan "Nay!"