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1864–1941

The Matrimonial Stakes

Andrew Barton Paterson

I wooed her with a steeplechase, I won her with a fall, I made her heartstrings quiver on the flat When the pony missed his take-off, and we crashed into the wall; Well, she simply had to have me after that!

It awoke a thrill of interest when they pulled me out for dead From beneath the shattered ruins of a horse; And, although she looked indifferent when I landed — on my head — In the water, it appealed to her, of course!

When I won the Flappers’ Flat-race it was “all Sir Garneo”, For she praised the way I made my final run. And she thought the riding did it — for how could the poor girl know That a monkey could have ridden it and won!

Then they “weighed me in” a winner — it's not often that occurs! So I did n't let my golden chances slip, For I showed her all the blood-marks where I jabbed him with the spurs, And the whip-strokes where I hit him with the whip.

Then I asked her if she loved me, and she seemed inclined to shirk For a moment, so I took her by the head ( So to speak ) and rushed her at it; and she seemed to like the work When she kissed me, though she blushed a rosy red.

She's a mouth as soft as velvet, and she plenty has of heart; I could worship every little step she takes; And the saddling-bell is ringing, so we're going to the start, Certain winners, for the Matrimonial Stakes!

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The Matrimonial Stakes · Andrew Barton Paterson · Poetry Cove