Impudence

One morning, when the world was gray and cold,

And every face looked dull and full of care

There passed me, puffing clouds of silver breath,

A lovely maiden, with a jaunty air.

The red carnations flamed in both her cheeks,

Her teeth were white and shown; while either eye

Shone like a little pool on Christchurch Hill

When it has stolen more than half the sky.

And when I saw such beauty, young and fresh,

So proud, although the day was gray and cold,

“Who ever saw,” I laughed, and stared amazed

“Such impudence before in this old world!”