I was poor as a beggar,—she knew it,—

But proud as a king through it all;

Though it cost me two dollars to do it,

I took little Meg to the ball.

Mere calico served her for satin;

My broadcloth was made of blue jeans.

Without crest or a motto in Latin,

Meg's style was as grand as a queen's.

And we were in dreamland all through it,

And I do not regret it at all;

Though it cost me two dollars to do it,

I took little Meg to the ball.