MAXIMS OF CLEOPATRA
Reading edition
1
THESE three things Man feareth: Oysters out of season, A Babe that plays with fire, and a Woman who can reason!
2
Last year's sandals and yesterday's fish, Last night's kisses and last week's wish Are, to a Man, things gone and past; Likewise the woman before the last!
3
The soul of a man is white—or black, or yellow, or dun; But a woman's soul is a rainbow and a Roman sash in one.
4
Empty the words of the prayer, when the Pharisee prayeth aloud; Empty the words of love, when he praiseth thee in a crowd. Yet, he that is cold in the crowd, but seeketh thine ear when alone, In the land of the Great God Isis by the name of "Cad" shall be known.
5
As the pearl that I dropped in the glass can never again be mine, So many a pearl of woman's love hath a man dissolved—in wine.
6
Geese walk not alone; sheep will follow sheep; So this little maxim I would have ye keep: Would ye conquer all men, make a fool of one— The rest will turn toward thee, as lilies to the sun.
7
The young man calleth for wine, the old for crystal water. Seek not to enslave a boy till thou art thirty, Daughter.
8
When the game is over, vain the loser's sigh. To thy parting lover, wave a gay good-by! 'Neath the storm-cloud bending, see the lily laugh. If Love's reign be ending—write his epitaph! Deck his grave with iris; blot away his name. Isis and Osiris, make thy Daughter game!
9
Flatter him boldly, Daughter, be he old or wise or callow; For there is no meed of flattery that a man will fail to swallow. Yet, after a time, desist; lest perchance, in his vanity, He wonder why such a demi-god should stoop to a worm like thee!
10
Call the bald man, "Boy;" make the sage thy toy; Greet the youth with solemn face; praise the fat man for his grace.
WHERE IS THE SWEET, OLD-FASHIONED WIFE WHO USED TO GET UP AT 6 O'CLOCK IN THE MORNING AND COOK HER HUSBAND'S BREAKFAST? GONE, GONE, ALAS, WITH THE SWEET OLD-FASHIONED HUSBAND WHO USED TO COME HOME AT 6 O'CLOCK IN THE EVENING AND STAY THERE
