Over The Way

Over the way, over the way,
    I've seen a head that's fair and gray;
    I've seen kind eyes not new to tears,
    A form of grace, though full of years,
        Her fifty summers have left no flaw,
    And I, a youth of twenty-three,
    So love this lady, fair to see,
        I want her for my mother-in-law!

    Over the way, over the way,
    I've seen her with the children play;
    I've seen her with a royal grace
    Before the mirror adjust her lace;
        A kinder woman none ever saw;
    God bless and cheer her onward path,
    And bless all treasures that she hath,
        And let her be my mother-in-law!

    Over the way, over the way,
    I think I'll venture, dear, some day
    (If you will lend a helping hand,
    And sanctify the scheme I've planned);
        I'll kneel in loving, reverent awe
    Down at the lady's feet, and say:
    "I've loved your daughter many a day,
        Please won't you be my mother-in-law?"