Etchings in Verse (Underhill)/Consolation

by Andrew Findlay Underhill

CONSOLATION.

POUR moi, je crois que je vous aime,
My bright and saucy little dame;
But if I don't, it's all the same,
            I see.
For when I woo you, little one,
You will not e'en say yes in fun;
But frown upon me then, and shun
            Poor me.

Since this is so, my sweet, I think
'T were best to pause upon the brink
Of Eros' fountain e'er I drink
            Ses eaux.
For me, alas! there is no chance
Of winning from your eyes a glance.
Upon my suit you look askance,
            I know.

So I'll repeat the "je vous aime"
To one who wont refuse a claim
To me, my fortunes, and the name
            I bear;
She's wooed me both by glade, and stream.
She's homely, but—as it would seem—
Has wealth beyond my fondest dream,
            Ma chère.

I'll marry her and live in style;
I'll manage her estate, and smile
To think how I've "assumed her pile,"
            Ma foi!
And, when we've come to years remote,
I'll bless your blessed "No" that smote
My feelings once with solemn note,
            Je crois.