Her Letter, His Answer & Her Last Letter

by Bret Harte

Of course you will say that I "never
Replied to the letter you wrote."
That is just like a man! But, however,
I read it—or how could I quote?
And as to the stories you've heard (No,
Don't tell me you haven't—I know!)
You'll not believe one blessed word, Joe;
But just whence they came, let them go!

And as to the stories you've heard (No,
Don't tell me you haven't—I know!)

And they came from Sade Lotski of Yolo,
Whose father sold clothes on the Bar—
You called him Job-lotski, you know, Joe,
And the boys said her value was par.
Well, we met her in Paris—just flaring
With diamonds, and lost in a hat!
And she asked me "How Joseph was faring
In his love-suit on Poverty Flat!"