This Says It All ... and Happy Valentine's Day.

THE BURNING OF THE
LOVE-LETTER

by Thomas Hood

No morning ever seemed so long!---
I tried to read with all my might!
In my left hand 'My Landlord's Tales,'
And threepence ready in my right.

'Twas twelve at last---
my heart beat high!---
The Postman rattled at the door!---
And just upon her road to church, I dropt the 'Bride of Lammermoor!'

I seized the note---I flew upstairs---
Flung-to the door, and lock'd me in---
With panting haste I tore the seal---
And kiss'd the B in Benjamin!

'Twas full of love---to rhyme with dove---
And all that tender sort of thing---
Of sweet and meet---and heart and dart---
But not a word about a ring!---

In doubt I cast it in the flame,
And stood to watch the latest spark---
And saw the love all end in smoke---
Without a Parson and a Clerk!