To Louise, With A Branch Of Mistletoe Poem by Richard Crawley

1.

Mortals, whosoe'er ye be,
Know the consecrated tree :
Tender virgins, bow before it;
Wanton bachelors, adore it.


2.

Maidens, if a gallant lingers,
Nature gave you thumbs and fingers ;
Cluster round the recreant lover,
Pinch him black and blue all over.


3.

Gallant, if she's coy and proud,
Think at Christmas much's allowed ;
Catch her when she least expects it,
Kiss her till she recollects it.


4.

If there's one in form or feature
Stinted by step-mother Nature,
Shower courtesies upon her,
Tis what weakness claims of honour.


5.

Beauty is divine, I know it,
The more we pay the more we owe it ;
Yet to have a fault is human,
And she's lovely if she's woman.


6.

Daughter of a brighter star,
That like morning comest from far,
Morning is the time for folly,
Night has nought but melancholy :


7.

Fleet and few our hours of laughter,
Noon will come and darkness after ;
Take my berries, and in mercy's
Hallowed name forgive my verses.