Last summer, lazing by the sea,
I met a most entrancing creature,
Her black eyes quite bewildered me —
She had a Spanish cast of feature.
She often smoked a cigarette,
And did it in the cutest fashion.
Before a week passed by she set
My young heart in a raging passion.
I swore I loved her as my life,
I gave her gems ( do n't tell my tailor ).
She promised to become my wife,
But whispered,‘ Papa is my jailer.’
‘ We must be very sly, you see,
For Papa will not list to reason.
You must not come to call on me
Until he's gone from home a season.
‘ I'll send you word, now do n't forget,
Take this as pledge, I will remember.’
She gave me a perfumed cigarette,
And turned and left me with September.
To-day she sent her‘ cards’ to me.
‘ My presence asked’ to see her marry
That millionaire old banker C — -
She has my‘ presents,’ so I'll tarry.
And still I feel a keen regret
( About the jewels that I gave her )
I've smoked the little cigarette —
It had a most delicious flavour.