"Some for the Glories of this world; and some
Sigh for the Prophet's Paradise to Come;"
The greatest Boon I ask for is, I may
Supplant this Interloper as a Chum.

XVII

Now all the Years that we have Wedded been,
Not once had Demon Jealousy crept in
Until this Omar--dead eight Hundred Years,
Did come and her Affection from me Win.

XVIII

I feel chagrined to Think, at this late Date,
A Man so long since Dead can alienate
The fond Devotion that's been mine alone.
No Wonder I cry out 'gainst such a Fate.

XIX

"The Worldly Hope men set their Hearts upon
Turns Ashes--or it prospers; and anon,"
Just so those happy Days of long ago
Were Mine, for one sweet space of Time then gone.

XX

The last few Months I eagerly frequent
My Clubs; wherein I hear great Argument
Regarding Wives, and how to manage them.
But come no Wiser than when in I went.

XXI

Strange, is it not? Of all the Husbands who
Before me passed this Door of Trouble through
Not One has left a word of good Advice,
Nor e'en suggested what is Best to do.

XXII

My Friends can't help me, yet they laugh to Scorn
My downcast looks, and at the way I Mourn.
They do not know the Anguish of my Soul,
Bereft of Wife--unhappy--and forlorn.

XXIII

But this I know, whether the one True Light
Kindle to Love, or wrath consume me quite,
I'd rather have my former Happiness,
Than to Possess the Whole great World outright.

XXIV

I oft' attempt to show Wife where 'twill Lead.
She gets her Book, and says I must take Heed
That--"The first Morning of Creation wrote
What the last Dawn of reckoning shall Read."

XXV

One day I queried would she please to Say
How long, how long this Fad was apt to Stay?
She smiled and said, "My dear, don't fret about
'Unborn To-Morrow and Dead Yesterday.'"