WIT AND BEAUTY.
Reading edition
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BY AGNES L. GORDON.
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It chanced upon a pleasant day,
In charming summer weather,
That Wit and Beauty sallied forth
To take a stroll together.
And as they idly roamed along,
On various themes conversing,
Young Beauty, somewhat vain, began
Her wondrous powers rehearsing.
And much she dwelt upon the charms
Her outward form adorning,
And seemed to feel herself supreme,
All other merit scorning.
This roused the ire of sparkling Wit,
Who keenly thus retorted:
“Your claim, though easily advanced,
Requires to be supported.
“Mark yon bright bird that wings his flight
Athwart the sunny skies,
Let each on him display our skill,
To catch him as he flies.
“Your chance is first, for well I know,
And own the pleasant duty,
That Wit in every age must yield
Due precedence to Beauty!”
Young Beauty smiled, and charmed the bird
With softened strains alluring,
And bound him with a silken chain,
More brilliant than enduring.
She placed the captive in a net,
Entwined of many flowers,
And with a merry, mocking smile,
Bade Wit now try his powers.
Then from his feathered quiver Wit
A silver arrow drew,
With perfect and unerring aim
He pierced the net-work through.
The bird released, on eager wing
Soared upward to the skies;
A second arrow reached his breast —
He fell—no more to rise!
Beauty looked sore dismayed, to see
Her snare thus incomplete.
When gallant Wit the trophy raised,
And laid it at her feet.
“Could we but journey hand in hand,”
He said to Beauty, smiling,
“No prey could e’er escape my shaft,
Who saw your charms beguiling.
“But since the stern decrees of fate
Our union thus opposes,
And you so oft my arrows blunt,
Beneath a weight of roses;
“Remember, Beauty’s charms will fade,
Despite each fond endeavor,
And strong, well tempered shafts of wit
Her chains will often sever.”