Infirm

“I WILL not go,” he said, “for well

I know her eyes’ insidious spell,

And how unspeakably he feels

Who takes no pleasure in his meals.

I know a one-idea’d man

Should undergo the social ban,

And if she once my purpose melts

I know I’ll think of nothing else.

“I care not though her teeth are pearls—

The town is full of nicer girls!

I care not though her lips are red—

It does not do to lose one’s head!

I’ll give her leisure to discover,

For once, how little I think of her;

And then, how will she feel?” cried he,

And took his hat and went to see.