I.
I ask'd to-day, "how old is the bride?" And they told me, quick, and true, and straight.Jeannette has no need her age to hide.
But says "fourteen" with an air of pride. Now if in town at the gray church gateI should ask to-day how old is the bride,
Would Lilian's friends the truth confide, Or me would they fain execrate?Jeannette has no need her age to hide.
Her eyes met mine as her hat I tied, Frank eyes, that smil'd with an air sedateWhen I ask'd to-day--how old is the bride?
Fourteen! Just think! Ye belles, aside! Bid envy swift capitulate!Jeannette has no need her age to hide.
Heigho! those calm dark eyes! I sigh'd, When musing much on the holy estate,I ask'd to-day--how old is the bride?Jeannette has no need her age to hide.
II.
They'll keep it up for a week, they say, The wedding, I mean, of Jules and Jeannette'Tis the proper thing at Cap Santé.
The cousins will come from Nicolet, From Batiscan, from Joliette,They'll keep it up for a week, they say.
And dance and fiddle and sing away, Marie-Anne, Max, Léon, Lisette,'Tis the proper thing at Cap Santé,
And they come prepar'd for the merry fray, They're fond of Jules, they adore Jeannette--They'll keep it up for a week, they say.
Well! they're a hard-work'd lot though gay. And doubtless earn what fun they get;'Tis the proper thing, at Cap Santé,
But we--who would put it through in a day, We dullards are by doubts beset.They'll keep it up for a week, they say,'Tis the proper thing at Cap Santé.
