  SHE’S had a Vassar education, And points with pride to her degrees; She’s studied household decoration: She knows a dado from a frieze, And tells Corots from Boldonis; A Jacquemart etching, or a Haden, A Whistler, too, perchance might please She does not care for meditation; Within her bonnet are no bees; She has a gentle animation, She joins in singing simple glees. She tries no trills, no rivalries With Lucca (now Baronin Raden), With Nilsson or with Gerster; she’s A free and frank young Yankee maiden. I’m blessed above the whole creation, Far, far, above all other he’s; I ask you for congratulation On this the best of jubilees: I go with her across the seas Unto what Poe would call an Aiden,— I hope no servant’s there to tease A free and frank young Yankee maiden. ENVOYPrinces, to you the western breeze Bears many a ship and heavy laden, What is the best we send in these? A free and frank young Yankee maiden. Brander Matthews. |
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