A WOMAN'S WANTS

Carolyn Wells

A FOOLISH old marquis went ambling along,

Now beaming a smile, and now humming a song.

His task, it was only his lady to please,

But he happily thought he could do it with ease.

He brought her rare baskets of sweetmeats and fruit;

He sent her bouquets and he urged on his suit; He schemed and he plotted—he fought in fair fight;

But none of these things gave his lady delight.

The old marquis pondered. He said, "I suppose

My lady's caprices demand a blue rose!"

He brought her a rose-bloom all azure of hue,— But with nostrils tip-tilted, the lady said, "Pooh!"

He brought her the earth,—and her look of deep scorn

Made that foolish old marquis feel sad and forlorn;

He brought her the moon,—and she laughed in his face.

The marquis he groaned and bewailed his hard case.

The lady wailed too; and she sobbed and she sighed;

Saying: "All of my wishes have been gratified; But one thing I want. And that, no one will grant.

I want to want something! That's all that I want!"