Rose Hawthorne Lathrop

1851-1926 / the United States

Used Up

Hand me my light gloves, James;
I'm off for the waltzing world,
The kingdom of Strauss and that-
Where is my old crush-hat?

Is
my hair properly curled?
Call in the daytime, James.

Think of me, won't you, James,
When I am rosily twirling
The 'Rose of a garden of girls,'
The Pearl among circling pearls,
In a mesh of melodious whirling?
Envy me, won't you, James?

For a heart lost along with her fan,
For a nice sense of honor flown,
For the care of an invalid soul,
And tastes far beyond my control,-
I have for my precious own
The fame of a 'waltzing man.'

If I don't come, come for me, James.
Ah, the waltz is my mastering passion!
The trip-tripping airs are as sweet
As love to my turning feet,
While I clasp the fair doll of fashion,
My _fianc饟. But come for me, James.

The heart which I lost-it is strange-
I've been told it will yet be my death;
And I think it quite likely I might
Waltz once too often to-night,
In spite of the music and Beth.
Death's a difficult move to arrange.

Pray smoke by the fire, old boy,
And find yourself whiskey and books.
If I should not turn up, then, at two
Or three, you will know I need you.
If I'm dead, you must pardon my looks
As I lie in the ball-room, old boy.
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