Explore "Maurine" by Ella Wheeler Wilcox on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
A visit to a cave some miles away / Was next in order. So, one sunny day, / Four prancing steeds conveyed a laughing load / Of merry pleasure-seekers o'er the road. / A basket picnic, music, and croquet / Were in the programme. Skies were blue and clear, / And cool winds whispered of the Autumn near. / The merry-makers filled the time with pleasure: / Some floated to the music's rhythmic measure, / Some played, some promenaded on the green. / Ticked off by happy hearts, the moments passed. / The afternoon, all glow and glimmer, came. / Helen and Roy were leaders of some game, / And Vivian was not visible.
"Maurine, / I challenge you to climb yon cliff with me! / And who shall tire, or reach the summit last / Must pay a forfeit," cried a romping maid. / "Come! start at once, or own you are afraid. " / So challenged I made ready for the race, / Deciding first the forfeit was to be / A handsome pair of bootees to replace / The victor's loss who made the rough ascent.