The Poetry Corner

What Can It Mean?

By George Pope Morris

(Written for Miss Poole, and sung by her in the character of cowslip.) I'm much too young to marry, For I am only seventeen; Why think I, then, of Harry? What can it mean--what can it mean? Wherever Harry meets me, Beside the brook or on the green, How tenderly he greets me! What can it mean--what can it mean? Whene'er my name he utters, A blush upon my cheek is seen!-- His voice my bosom flutters!-- What can it mean--what can it mean? If he but mentions Cupid, Or, smiling, calls me "fairy queen," I sigh, and looks so stupid!-- What can it mean--what can it mean? Oh, mercy! what can ail me? I'm growing wan and very lean; My spirits often fail me! What can it mean--what can it mean? I'm not in love!--No!--Smother Such a thought at seventeen! I'll go and ask my mother-- "What can it mean--what can it mean?"