ASKING

He stole from my bodice a rose,
My cheek was its color the while;

But, ah, the sly rogue! he well knows,
Had he asked it, I must have said no.

He snatched from my lips a soft kiss;

I tried at a frown 't was a smile;
For, ah, the sly rogue ! he knows this:

Had he asked it, I must have said no.

That "asking" in love's a mistake,
It puts one in mind to refuse;

'T is best not to ask, but to take;
For it saves one the need to say no.

Yet, stay this is folly I've said;

Some things should be asked if desired;
My rogue hopes my promise to wed;

When he asks me, I will not say no.