A smart and stylish girl you see Belle of good society Not too strict, but rather free Yet as right as right can be Never forward, never bold Not too hot and not too cold But the very thing, I'm told That in your arms you'd like to hold
I'm not extravagantly shy And when a nice young man is nigh For his heart I have a try And faint away with tearful cry When the good young man, in haste Will support me round the waist I don't come to, while thus embraced Till of my lips he steals a taste
I'm a timid flower of innocence Pa says that I have no sense I'm one eternal big expense But men say that I'm just immense Ere my verses I conclude I'd like it known and understood Though free as air, I'm never rude I'm not too bad and not too good
You should see me out with Pa Prim, and most particular The young men say: Ah, there you are! And Pa says: That's peculiar! It's like their cheek! I say, and so Off again with Pa I go He's quite satisfied - although When his back's turned - well, you know
When with swells I'm out to dine All my hunger I resign Taste the food, and sip the wine No such daintiness as mine But when I am all alone For shortcomings I atone No old frumps to stare like stone Chops and chicken on my own
Sometimes Pa says, with a frown Soon you'll have to settle down Have to wear your wedding gown Be the strictest wife in town Well, it must come by and by When wed, to keep quiet I'll try But till then I shall not sigh I shall still go in for my