A seaside romance

"My name," I said, "is Peleg Doddleding,

And Doddleding has been my name since birth."

And having told this girl this shameful thing

I bowed my head and waited for her mirth.

She did not laugh. I looked at her, and she,

With wistful gladness in her yellow eyes,

Swept with her gradual gaze the mocking sea.

Then dried her gaze and swept the scornful skies.

I thought perhaps she had not heard aright.

"My name," I said again, "is Doddleding!"

Thinking she would reply, "Ah, then, goodnight--

no love of mine round such a name could cling!"

We'd met upon the beach an hour before,

And our loves lept together, flame and flame.

I loved. She loved. We loved. "She'll love no more,"

I moaned, "when she learns Doddleding's my name!"

She was not beautiful, nor did she seem

The sort of person likely to be good;

Her outcast manner 'twas that bade me dream

If any one could stand my name she could.

She seemed a weakly, sentimental thing,

Viscious, no doubt, and dull and somewhat wried.

I said once more, "I'm Mister Doddleding!"

Feebly she smiled. I saw she had no pride.

The westering sun above the ocean shook

With ecstasy, the flushed sea shook beneath....

I trembled too... She smiled!.... and one long look

Showed something queer had happened to her teeth.

O world of Gladness! World of gold and flame!

"She loves me then, in spite of all!" I cried.

"Though Peleg Doddleding is still my name,

Yet Peleg Doddleding has found a bride!"

I stroked her hair.... I found it was a wig....

And as I slipped upon her hand the ring

She said, "My name is Effie Muddlesnig--

Oh, thank you! Thank you Mister Doddleding!"

In all the world she was the only one

For me, and I for her.... lives touch and pass,

And then, one day beneath a westering sun,

We find our own! One of her eyes is glass.