The night was clear, the sleighing good,

The cutter seat not wide ;
She snuggled close beneath the robe

To her fond lover's side.
The horse was spirited, and jumped

With frequent tugs and strains,
Until she innocently said,
' Do let me hold the reins !'

They 're married now, perhaps because

She was so helpful then :
She loves him well, and he loves her

Well, it 's the way of men.
And yet in all their sweet delight

One sad thought makes him wince :
She held the reins that winter's night

She 's held them ever since.