LOVE’S LABOUR WELL LOST.
[Lines inspired by a dark lady, who remarked, à propos of a recent disaster, that all fair girls were untrustworthy.]
Phyllis hath a roving eye,
Palest blue—a candid feature
Which informs the passer-by
Phyllis is a flighty creature;
Golden locks and fair complexion
Also point in that direction.
I, who had arranged to be
Joined to Phyllis by the vicar,
Now that she has jilted me
Scorn to seek relief in liquor.
Or the tears that folk are shedding
(Having missed a swagger wedding).
He who stole my love away
Cannot hope for long survival,
And I pity him to-day
As I did a former rival
Who believed her single-hearted
When my own flirtation started.