From The Birmingham Age-Herald, May 7, 1913. By Samuel Minturn Peck. Tho’ starlight through the lattice vine Fell slanting on her brow The roses white, with dew a-shine Swayed on the wind-rocked bough And waved a perfume quaint and fine Like incense round her mouth Where dwelt mid curve and hue divine The glamor of the South. Just sixteen years of joys and fears— Just sixteen years hath she But her eyes are blue And her heart is true And she’s all the world to me. The rose tree hid the stars from me But I could watch her eyes; They shone like stars upon the sea Soft mirrored from the skies. Her little hands upon her knee In folded stillness lay And in the dusk gloamed winsomely Like lily buds astray. Just sixteen years of joys and fears— Just sixteen years hath she But her faith is sure And her soul is pure And she’s all the world to me. A silence fell. It seemed a spell Had fallen on my Sweet. I saw her quivering bosom swell I heard my heart a-beat. I spoke!—but what? I cannot tell I hardly know the rest; But as the timid tear-drops fell I clasped her to my breast. Just sixteen years of smiles and tears— Just sixteen years hath she But the wedding chimes Will ring betimes For my little bride to be.