A LONDON BALLAD 



"Then," said I, "by your leave might I drive up 



and dov^n, 

 I could show you the sights both in city and town." 

 " London sights ! " replied she. " Oh, how nice it 



would be ! 

 But at home sits my mother a-waiting for me." 



How short seem'd the minutes ; why drove I so 



fast ? 

 A journey so pleasant for ever should last ; 

 How I wish'd at the station instead of farewell. 

 How I wish'd I could carry her back to Pall Mall. 



A bob she held up to the seat where I sat. 



" No, I thank you ; " but soon I thought better of 



that. 

 " As a keepsake," I said, " I will take what you give, 

 And will round my neck wear it as long as I live." 



One hasty good-bye then she utter'd aloud. 

 One smile ere she left and was lost in the crowd ; 

 Strange it seems to me now that I left not my mare. 

 That I left not my cab to rush after her there. 



Whether she travell'd first, second, or third. 

 Nor whither she went have I since ever heard ; 

 But in sadness I sigh'd, when a puff from the train, 

 PufFd away my last hope of e'er meeting again. 



There I motionless sat, like a statue of stone, 

 And there still should I be had they left me alone. 

 Unconsciously dreaming of her who was gone. 

 Till aroused by a voice shouting " Cabby, move on." 



19s 



