The poetical works of John Godfrey Saxe :: :: University of Virginia Library

Of course, my dear Charley, I hold,
As a poet and moralist should,
That love is far better than gold
(Though gold is undoubtedly good);
And yet, as the proverb declares,
I fear me the doctrine is true,
That in managing human affairs,
“L'amour fait beaucoup; l'argent fait tout!”

101

You wish—for example—to win
A proper companion for life,
(At forty 't is time to begin!)
And so you go courting a wife;
You offer your heart and your purse,
But much as affection may do,
There 's meaning, no doubt, in the verse,
“L'amour fait beaucoup; l'argent fait tout!”

You purchase an elegant house,
As an opulent gentleman ought;
And you and your beautiful spouse
By people of Fashion are sought:
But when you remember the way
“Society” chooses her few,
Perhaps you may sigh as you say,
“L'amour fait beaucoup; l'argent fait tout!”

In conjugal matters as well
As those of a worldlier sort,
What virtue in money may dwell
Were worthy a sage's report;
You 're honored—Oh, not for your pelf;
But, taking the rosiest view,
Do you think it is all for yourself?
“L'amour fait beaucoup; l'argent fait tout!”

Oh, love is a beautiful thing,
A passion of heavenly birth;
But money 's a tyrannous king,
The mightiest monarch on earth;
And, in managing human affairs,
I fear me the doctrine is true,
As the old Gallic proverb declares,
“L'amour fait beaucoup; l'argent fait tout!”