In the 20's and 30's, and before, little girls, and sometimes boys, would have an "Autograph Book" ready for a visitor to pen a rhyme or inspiring saying for their collection.
Thus the rhyme:
Roses are red, Violets are blue/Honey is sweet/ And so are you.
The visitor may put his own ending, like: If you were any closer/ I'd come to visit you.
Some others:
God bless you from the mountains.
God bless you from the sea.
God bless you from the footpath
That brings you home to me.
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I wish thee health, I wish thee wealth.
I wish thee peace in store.
I wish thee heaven after death,
What could I wish thee more?
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When the golden sun is setting
And your path on earth you've trod,
May your name in gold be written
In the autograph of God.
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Love many/Trust few/Always paddle your own canoe.
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When you and George meet by the gate,
Maybe love is blind, but the neighbours ain't.
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Some may pen a hymn verse or Bible verse:
Your hope is built on nothing less/ Than Jesus' blood and righteousnes.
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Usually some silly one's were written also:
First comes love/Then comes marriage/ Then comes Suzie with a baby carriage.
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If all the boys lived across the sea/ Judy, Judy, what a swimmer you'd be.
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Little joys in the farmhouse before radio and TV.
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