WHAT IS FLIRTATION? What is flirtation? Really, How can I tell you that? But when she smiles I see its wiles, And when he lifts his hat. ’Tis walking in the moonlight, ’Tis buttoning on a glove, ’Tis lips that speak of plays next week, While eyes are talking love. ’Tis meeting in the ball-room, ’Tis whirling in the dance; ’Tis something hid beneath the lid, More than a simple glance. ’Tis lingering in the hallway, ’Tis sitting on the stair, ’Tis bearded lips on finger-tips, If mamma isn’t there. ’Tis tucking in the carriage, ’Tis asking for a call; ’Tis long good-nights in tender lights, And that is--no, not all! ’Tis parting when it’s over, And one goes home to sleep; Best joys must end, tra la, my friend, But one goes home to weep! HOW DOES LOVE SPEAK? How does Love speak? In the faint flush upon the tell-tale cheek, And in the pallor that succeeds it; by The quivering lid of an averted eye-- The smile that proves the parent of a sigh: Thus doth Love speak. How does Love speak? By the uneven heart-throbs, and the freak Of bounding pulses that stand still and ache, While new emotions, like strange barges, make Along vein-channels their disturbing course, Still as the dawn, and with the dawn’s swift force: Thus doth Love speak. How does Love speak? In the avoidance of that which we seek-- The sudden silence and reserve when near; The eye that glistens with an unshed tear; The joy that seems the counterpart of fear, As the alarmèd heart leaps in the breast, And knows, and names, and greets its godlike guest: Thus doth Love speak. How does Love speak? In the proud spirit suddenly grown meek, The haughty heart grown humble; in the tender And unnamed light that floods the world with splendor; In the resemblance which the fond eyes trace In all fair things to one beloved face; In the shy touch of hands that thrill and tremble; In looks and lips that can no more dissemble: Thus doth Love speak. How does Love speak? In wild words that uttered seem so weak They shrink ashamed to silence; in the fire Glance strikes with glance, swift flashing high and higher, Like lightnings that precede the mighty storm; In the deep, soulful stillness; in the warm, Impassioned tide that sweeps thro’ throbbing veins, Between the shores of keen delights and pains; In the embrace where madness melts in bliss, And in the convulsive rapture of a kiss: Thus doth Love speak. AS YOU GO THROUGH LIFE.