Part 1 — THE ONE WHITE HAIR
Reading edition
The wisest of the wise Listen to pretty lies And love to hear'em told. Doubt not that Solomon Listened to many a one,— Some in his youth, and more when he grew old.
I never was among The choir of Wisdom's song, But pretty lies loved I As much as any king, When youth was on the wing, And (must it then be told?) when youth had quite gone by.
Alas! and I have not The pleasant hour forgot When one pert lady said, "O Walter! I am quite Bewildered with affright! I see (sit quiet now) a white hair on your head!"
Another more benign Snipped it away from mine, And in her own dark hair Pretended it was found... She leaped, and twirled it round... Fair as she was, she never was so fair!
Walter Savage Landor [1775-1864]