Classic Poem

I CHANCED to walk, not long ago,
Into the village down below;
The people all were gaily drest,
They told me 'twas a marriage feast.

Within the dancing-room I found
Some sixty couples whirling round;
Each lass supported by her lad,
And every face was blithe and glad.

" A happy day, indeed!" I cried;
" But tell me, which may be the bride?"
The bumpkin answer'd with a stare —
" Lord, sir! I neither know nor care!

" Three nights have we been dancing here,
And tasting of her wedding cheer;
I merely came for fun and drinking,
About the bride I've not been thinking!"

If every man would speak the truth,
As freely as this honest youth.
His case would not — so ponder'd I —
Betoken singularity.

I CHANCED to walk, not long ago,
Into the village down below;
The people all were gaily drest,
They told me 'twas a marriage feast.

Within the dancing-room I found
Some sixty couples whirling round;
Each lass supported by her lad,
And every face was blithe and glad.

" A happy day, indeed!" I cried;
" But tell me, which may be the bride?"
The bumpkin answer'd with a stare —
" Lord, sir! I neither know nor care!

" Three nights have we been dancing here,
And tasting of her wedding cheer;
I merely came for fun and drinking,
About the bride I've not been thinking!"

If every man would speak the truth,
As freely as this honest youth.
His case would not — so ponder'd I —
Betoken singularity.