American essays -- 19th century; American fiction -- 19th century; American poetry -- 19th century; Short stories, American
"Yea, verily," the Voice replied. "Be free
To follow where your heart points out the way.
For love, once kindled, fills eternity;
'Tis heaven, not earth, that lights his brightest ray."
And then the woman, with fond beaming eye,
Spake up and said: "These two are both N. G.
They made me tired. I think I'll try
That nice blond angel by that apple tree."
--W. S. P.
(_Houston Daily Post_, Sunday morning, January 12, 1896.)
"Little Things, but Ain't They Whizzers?"
The following song was written for the benefit of any theatrical or
musical entertainment that desires to use it in Houston. Any company
rendering it outside the city is liable to a fine of $1,000,000, as it
has been composed solely for the pleasure of Houston audiences, which
it is sure to please. The person singing the song, if a gent, will
dress in loud check trousers, tan shoes, and high white hat, advancing
to the footlights, smiling, and carrying a large cane. If sung by a
lady, the costume is the same, with smaller checks, and parasol
instead of cane. The following lines are to be spoken: "Ladies and
Gentlemen: You must excuse my hoarseness tonight, as I was up late
last night rocking the baby to sleep. (_Laughter._) I love babies.
(_Great laughter._) When they get molasses on their fingers and use your
shirt front for a piano, it makes a man think marriage is a success,
now doesn't it? (_Howls of laughter from the family circle._) Last night
I came home late from the lodge (_applause_); and after I took off my
shoes and slipped into the room and commenced rocking the cradle, my
wife woke up and said, 'What are you doing, Charlie?' 'I'm getting the
baby quiet,' said I. 'Come to bed, you fool,' says she, 'the baby has
been in bed here with me for two hours.' (_Prolonged yells of
laughter._) Babies are little things, but are very important
institutions. That reminds me of a song." (_Looks at orchestra, which
strikes up at once._)
(_Sings_):
As we wander down life's pathway
Plucking roses as we go,
Often do we prick our finger
With the little thorns that grow,
Little drops make up the ocean,
Little chips fill up the pot;
Little drinks make great big jaglets,
Little wives can make home hot.
Little things--but ain't they whizzers!
Little bees have biggest stings;
Little girls are sometimes Tartars--
Look out for the little things.
(_Bass horn--"Ta-ra-rum."_)
(_Spoken_)--"Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it is not always the biggest
things that are the most valuable. I remember a few nights ago I was
in a poker game. It was not in this city, of course, for since Charlie
Helm was elected marshal there is no gambling in Hooston (_can also be
pronounced Howston_). (_Vociferous cheering in gallery._) I will tell
you about it:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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