T h e V e r d i c t

by Charlotte B. Scott.

Illustration by Karl Hassmann.

HAT is most important? The rich man says, “Wealth!”

The sick man cries feebly, “Ah, no! it is ‘Health!’”

Inventor and poet contend it is “Fame”;

The worldly want “Titles” prefixed to their name.

The preacher chants solemnly, “It is the ‘Soul!’”

Ambition says, “Power and Place” is man’s goal;

“’Tis ‘Pleasure’ we seek!” laughs the crown-sceptre throng,

“The world to amuse us—Wine, Woman and Song!”

What is most important? “’Tis ‘Love!’” cries the lover;

“No!” frowns the physician, “’Tis but to discover

Some polysyllabical lotion for Pain—

New ways to cheat Death and new Honors to gain!”

“All false!” claims the scientist, “Pain may be drowned,

Love, Pleasure, Fame, missed, but the ‘Truth’ must be found!”

L’ENVOI.

Since no one can tell you What Is nor the Whys—

Since even the scientists but theorize,

Then, truly, the thing most important to do

Is the thing most important and pleasing to you.

“Ambition says, ‘Power and Place’ is man’s goal.”