Classic Poem

Broad expanse of shiny shirt-front,
Cuffs and collar white to match,
Overcoat with silken facing—
Just the rig to make a catch.

Pretty lady coming toward him;
He prepares to make a mash;
Meets a stumbling horse on crossing—
Mud flies o'er him with a splash!

Man who looked so sweet and gentle,
Like a little suckling lamb,
Now becomes a raving lion;
Girl goes by and hears him d—n.

Girl is shocked beyond expression—
Thinks his language simply vile;
Yet believes that she can save him—
Meets him next time with a smile.

Man apologizes bravely,
Says his anger made him rash.
Girl replies it but convinced her
He 's a man of proper dash.

They are married in November;
Wife is over all her scare;
Says she thought him soft and sickish
Till the day she heard him swear.