I went to my daddy a-courting of Kate;
With my nosegay so fine, and my holiday clothes,
My hands in my pockets a-courting I goes.
The weather was cold and my bosom was shot,
My heart in a gallop, the mare in a trot;
Now, I was so bashful and loving withal,
My tongue stuck to my mouth - I said nothing at all.
When I got to the door I looked lumpish and glum,
The knocker I held 'twixt my finger and thumb;
Rap-tap went the rapper, and Kate show'd her chin,
She chuckled and ducked - I bowed and went in.
Now I was as bashful as bashful could be,
And Kitty poor soul, was as bashful as me;
So I bow'd and she grinned, and I let my hat fall,
And I smiled, scratched my head, and said nothing at all.
If bashful was I, no less bashful the maid,
She simpered and blushed - with her apron strings played,
Till the old folks, impatient to have the thing done,
Agreed little Kitty and I should be one.
In silence we young folks soon nodded consent;
Hand-in-hand to the church to be married we went,
Where we answered the parson in voices so small,
You scarce could have heard us say - nothing at all.
But mark what a change in the course of a week,
Our Kate left off blushing - I boldy could speak;
Could toy with my Kitty, laugh loud at a jest;
And Kate she could talk too, as well as the best.
Ashamed of past follies, we often declared
To encourage you folks who at wedlock are scared;
If once to your aid some assurance you call,
You may kiss and get married, it's nothing at all.