And the same old, old trouble starts over again.

The Fates are a trifle hard, putting it mildly,

For they well might have spared me this finishing touch

Of your portrait, which speaking quite calmly yet Wildely,

I admire all the more since I hate it so much.

I shall treasure it, though. Thanks—a thousand—to you, dear.

When in sweet meditation your fancy runs free,

Is it asking too much that a stray thought or two, dear,

From your kindness of heart may come straying to me?