Less gifted souls may seek an earthly mate;
Lonely for ever I am doomed to be,
For all my life to Art is dedicate;
Yea, Art for mine or (speaking English) me.
I've put away the commonplace delights
Of humbler folk to brood on things sublime;
Rapt and aloof I ever tread the heights,
Thinking great thoughts and getting words to rhyme.
Maidens have passed before me, but no bride
Among them all have I essayed to choose;
Sternly I've put the thought of love aside,
An austere poet "wedded to the Muse."
But now of one small guerdon I am fain
(A poet's solace for the love he lacks)--
That this may qualify me to attain
The married man's relief from income-tax.
* * * * *
Commercial Candour.
"AMAZING SHOE OFFER.