All very pretty ;
And, I’ve been told,
Each brought a plain ring
Of burnished gold ;
Each had a soft and
Beautiful voice ;
Each made quite certain
She'd be his choice ;
Each was surprised, as
Rivals arise,
Up to the Palace door,
All of a size.
Tom was bewildered —
What could he do?
All were so charming,
And strange, if true,
All are his juniors—
None a year old;
All are sweet-tempered,
Not one a scold.
The King and courtiers,
All much amused,
Saw this brave suitor

Grown quite confused.

First he kissed this one,
Then he kissed that ;
Really he scarce knows
What he is at.
No decision made he,
And as time ran,
King Arthur hit on
This clever plan ;—
All the sweet maidens
Form a large ring,

13

 

)

Tom then is blinded :
They have to sing.
He round is twisted,
Then, O what sport!
She will the bride be
Who is first caught.
Still undecided, ;
Tom turned and turned,
Till one rushed to arms
And the prize earned.
Oh, what a scene then !
All the rest drowned
In a tear ocean,
*Till kissed all around.
That day’s the wedding,
Then came the feast,
All the girls bridemaids :
These last, though least,
Were made the most of,
For all were fair.
Some called them fairies,
So sweet they were.
With mirth and dancing
Passed the glad day ;
Moon rose, then all fled,
*Cept one, away.
She proved a tender
And gentle wife,
So Tom was happy
To end of life.
But she had one fault,
Which cost Tom dear —
She had three babies

Twice ev'ry year.