IF

IF a man could live a thousand years,

When half his life had passed,

He might, by strict economy,

A fortune have amassed.

Then having gained some common-sense,

And knowledge, too, of life,

He could select the woman who

Would make him a true wife.

But as it is, man hasn’t time

To even pay his debts,

And weds to be acquainted with

The woman whom he gets.

_H. C. Dodge._

A Vers de Société Anthology · 第 212 / 318 题