Henrietta Dusenbury
1878-1964
Born: South Carolina
Died: Conway, Horry, South Carolina, United States
1878-1964
Born: South Carolina
Died: Conway, Horry, South Carolina, United States
<p>Alice Lee stood awaiting her lover one night</p><p>Her cheeks flushed and glowing, her eyes full of light.</p><p>Her lover had promised to take her to walk</p><p>She had built all her hopes on a long pleasant talk.</p><p>But daylight wasw waning and also I wean,</p><p>Her temper t'was failing might plainly be seen.</p><p>I know where he is, it's easy to tell</p><p>He spends many an hour at the sign of the bell.</p><p>I wish he would keep from such places away,</p><p>His reckless companions will lead him astray.</p><p>She heard a step and her young heart beat fast,</p><p>And she said I'm glad he's coming at last.</p><p>But t'was only a neighbor who hastened to speak</p><p>As he marked the quick flush on the young maiden's cheek.</p><p>Now don't think atoll I'm intending to blame,</p><p>For love is not really a subject to shame.</p><p>I tell you to warn you I fancy my lass</p><p>That William is getting to fond of the glass</p><p>If you really wish for the love that endures</p><p>Say the lips that touch liquor shall never touch yours.</p><p>The old man went on, but the truth he's impressed,</p><p>Took root and sank deep in the young maidens breast.</p><p>As she said with a sorrow and fright,</p><p>I really believe the old man's right.</p><p>When next William comes, I'll let him know,</p><p>He must give up the liquor or else he must go.</p><p>He must give up at once and forever the wine,</p><p>For lips that touch liquor, shall never touch mine.</p><p>She heard a quick stip coming over the Moor,</p><p>And the soft merry voice she had oft heard before.</p><p>Ere she could speak, a warm arm held her fast,</p><p>And her lover said gently, I've come love at last.</p><p>I'm sorry I've kept you long waiting like this,</p><p>I know you'll forgive me, now give me a kiss.</p><p>She shook the bright curls on her beautiful head,</p><p>And drew herself up while quite proudly she said.</p><p>Now William, I'll prove if you really are true,</p><p>You say that you love me, I don't think you do.</p><p>But if really sincerely you must give up the wine,</p><p>For lips that touch liquor, shall never touch mine.</p><p>He stood all amazed, why Alice it's clear,</p><p>You're really quite jealous my dear.</p><p>In this you are right for I see,</p><p>You'll soon love the liquor far better than me.</p><p>I'm jealous, I own of the poisonness wine</p><p>For lips that touch liquor shall never touch mine.</p><p>He then grew angry, confound it he said,</p><p>What nonsense you've got in you dear little head.</p><p>But I'll see if I can't remove it,</p><p>Soon, then she replied</p><p>You hear what I say and this you'll fine,</p><p>I don't often change when I make up my mind.</p><p>He stood all resolute, angry, perplexed,</p><p>She'd never before seen him look half so vexed.</p><p>But she said if he talks all his life I won't flinch</p><p>And he talked but he never could budge her an inch.</p><p>At last he said with a deep sigh and grown,</p><p>Oh Alice your heart's as hard as a stone.</p><p>Though her heart beat in his favor quite loud,</p><p>She firmly stuck to the vow she had vowed.</p><p>At last she said without a tear or a sigh</p><p>William I'm going, so bid you goodbye.</p><p>Nae stop! I'll choose one of the two,</p><p>I'll give up the liquor, but cannot lose you.</p><p>Now William has often great cause to rejoice,</p><p>The hour he thus wisely made Alice his choice.</p><p>And bless the year of a whole useful life</p><p>The decision that gave him his dear little wife.</p><p>That she by her firmness won over that night.</p><p>A true friend our cause and an ornament bright.</p><p>Oh, if every fair girl in this drinking cursed land,</p><p>Would vow she'd never lend a heart or a hand.</p><p>To one who she has cause to think,</p><p>Would touch just one small drop of such poisonous drink.</p><p>And say when she's wooed, I afoe to the wine,</p><p>For lips that touch liquor shall never touch mine.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>