The Eighth Sin/To Nancy

by Christopher Morley

TO NANCY.

(Who has been alarmed by a Palmist.)

Nancy, you need never be
Terrified by palmistry—
I'm sure no reasons for alarm
Are writ upon your dainty paint!

You say that in those mystic lines
The palmist read unpleasant signs
And omens? O, you silly Nancy
To believe in chiromancy!

And why should some fallacious gipsy
Hold your graceful finger-tips? He
Is a fake (I know the seer)
He's only erbing for a beer.

You know the Roman adage that
Palmam qui meruit, ferat!
If holding hands is to be done,
Let me be the lucky one!