THE GIFT OF A RING

He gave me a ring, and I laughed and asked him:

“What does this mean?” “A gift,” he answered.

I went with another upon the morrow,

And in the evening he was so angry.

“You wore my ring,” he said, reproachful,

“The ring means marriage—you’re pledged to me!”

I flung my ring at the foolish creature

And I said: “Now hasten out of my sight.

I never saw such a stupid person,

Who says one thing and means another!”