Page:All quiet along the Potomac and other poems.djvu/196

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19 DON T WAKE THE BABY.

"Ay ! under his folded suit of gray A weir-worn Bible was found, they say." Ring loudly, bells ! quiver loud and clear ! No beggar lies in the coffin here ; There s one plate less, there s an empty chair- One patient less for the matron s care ; The night is stiller without his moans. Ring ! daylight s come to " Rack-o - bones."

��DON T WAKE THE BABY.

FORGET the parcel you should bring From town ; forget the bonnet With dainty plume and twisted bow,

And little bill pinned on it; Tell Madame Basque to trim with folds,

Instead of fringe and laces, The pretty dress your wife will wear In triumph at the races.

Put up your boots on brocatel,

Smoke parlor-curtains yellow j Twill only bring a mild reproof,

Like this: "You bearish fellow, I never saw such careless ways ;

No, Fitz Adolphus, never!" But then a kiss or coaxing word

Will right the wrong for ever.

�� �