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?"