To Marry or Not to Marry? a Girl's Reverie

Mother says, "Be in no hurry, / Marriage oft means care and worry."

Auntie says, with manner grave, / "Wife is synonym for slave."

Father asks, in tones commanding, / "How does Bradstreet rate his standing?"

Sister crooning to her twins, / Sighs, "With marriage care begins."

Grandma, near life's closing days, / Murmurs, "Sweet are girlhood's ways."

Maud, twice widowed ("sod and grass") / Looks at me and moans "Alas!"

They are six, and I am one, / Life for me has just begun.

They are older, calmer, wiser: / Age should aye be youth's adviser.

They must know-and yet, dear me, / When in Harry's eyes I see

All the world of love there burning- / On my six advisers turning,

I make answer, "Oh, but Harry / Is not like most men who marry.

"Fate has offered me a prize, / Life with love means Paradise.

"Life without it is not worth / All the foolish joys of earth."

So, in spite of all they say, / I shall name the wedding day.