University of Virginia Library


75

PREFERENCES

Nay,’ said the husband, ‘give him this,’
(In manifest alarm).
‘This is her proper likeness, that
Has but a sudden charm.
‘A look that flashes into light,
And quickly dies away,
May blind some passer; as for me,
I love the looks that stay.’
And I but said, what could I say?
(Not meaning any harm)
They're yours, dear friend, the looks that stay;
Spare then to me, she surely may,
A glance of sudden charm.