Classic Poem

The once Dutch dames on Delaware
Have lost their lustre silken,—
Dark-eyed Walloons, with Flamande hair
And bosoms full and milken,
Such as Van Loo or Rubens drew
Like kine at evening homing—
God bless you, Maggie Vandegrift,
Head of the herd, you're coming!

She has no care upon her face,
She stands like milch cows feeding,
Breast high in every public place
And every spring time breeding.
Adonises are all her boys,
Her flowing sap aye giving;
Around her lap are only joys
And only life she's living.

Tranquil on her the mornings lift,
She's diligent and cheery—
Sky-hearted Maggie Vandegrift,
How much you love your dairy!
Never your heart to clabber turns,
Like rising cream I think you,
That comes to butter when she churns—
To love you is to drink you.

Her tint makes silk of Maggie's shift;
The ballroom loves the sinner;
At worship Maggie Vandegrift
The sermon briefs to dinner,
And when she eats, the sunbeams slant,
Eaten to be within her;
It seems a banquet in Branbant
When Maggie gives a dinner.

Ideal things she knows not of,
Too noble to be common,
She is embosom'd in love
And offers naught but woman.
When Maggie Vandegrift is gone,
Her daughter will be wedding,
All milky as the tuliped lawn,
The herd of Holland heading.