The schoolboy next, with hungry, longing gaze

Fixed on the face of one of thirty years;

Unversed, as yet, in guileful worldly ways,

Bemoaning youth with bitter sobs and tears.

Later the man, all furious in Love’s pains,

Yet humbly sighing soft on bended knee;

Swearing his heart out that the globe contains

But one adorable and perfect she.

And then the soldier, fierce in love as fight,

With twirled moustache and rugged, sun-browned cheek,