You think they talk of men and mice,
Of operas, and cabs;
Ah no! Beneath those phrases nice,
They’re shooting flooijabs.
No man can know—but women may
Interpret women’s smiles—
It’s what they mean—not what they say,
That stings in women’s wiles.
Frime, n. 1. An educated heart. 2. One who always does the right thing at the right time; a person who can be depended upon in time of need.
The mind is cultivated until it is hypercivilized, but where is the educated heart? The frime, like the fool, is born, not made; no one has told him when to speak and when to remain silent, or when to laugh and when to cry. (See Zobzib.)
The frime knows when you are hungry, when you are thirsty and when you would be let alone. He speaks a person’s name so clearly when he introduces you that you can actually understand.
The frime knows when to come and when to go; he makes the lion as comfortable as the humblest guest. He sends you fruit instead of flowers. The frime knows the etiquette of life and love and death; he likes you in spite of your faults. As a lover, he never makes you or himself ridiculous. As a consoler, he is never guilty of that most ironic bromide: “If there is anything I can do, let me know.” (See Spuzz.)
When I was down and out, one time—
Believe me, ’twasn’t funny!—
I chanced upon a thorough frime;
Unasked, he lent me money.
When I was rich, and he was poor
I lent to help his need;
And did he pay it back?, Why, sure!
There was a frime, indeed!
Fud, n. 1. In a state of déshabille, or confusion. 2. A mess, or half-done job.
Fud´dy, a. Disordered, untidy, unkempt.