And, as either so hopelessly nice is, My sole and my final resource Is to wait some indefinite crisis,-- Some feat of molecular force, To solve me this riddle conducive By no means to peace or repose, Since the issue can scarce be inclusive Of Dora _and_ Rose.
But, perhaps, if a third (say a Nora), Not quite so delightful as Rose,-- Not wholly so charming as Dora,-- Should appear, is it wrong to suppose,-- As the claims of the others are equal,-- And flight--in the main--is the best,-- That I might ... But no matter,--the sequel Is easily guessed.
|nellie| If I were you, when ladies at the play, Sir, Beckon and nod, a melodrama through, I would not turn abstractedly away, Sir, If I were you!
|frank| If I were you, when persons I affected, Wait for three hours to take me down to Kew, I would at least pretend I recollected, If I were you!
|nellie| If I were you, when ladies are so lavish, Sir, as to keep me every waltz but two, I would not dance with _odious_ Miss M'Tavish, If I were you!
|frank| If I were you, who vow you cannot suffer Whiff of the best,--the mildest "honey dew," I would not dance with smoke-consuming Puffer, If I were you!
|nellie| If I were you, I would not, Sir, be bitter, Even to write the "Cynical Review";--
|frank| No, I should doubtless find flirtation fitter, If I were you!
|nellie| Really! You would? Why, Frank, you're quite delightful,-- Hot as Othello, and as black of hue; Borrow my fan. I would not look so _frightful_, If I were you!
|frank| "It is the cause." I mean your chaperon is Bringing some well-curled juvenile. Adieu! _I_ shall retire. I'd spare that poor Adonis, If I were you!
|nellie| Go, if you will. At once! And by express, Sir! Where shall it be? To China--or Peru? Go. I should leave inquirers my address, Sir, If I were you!
|frank| No--I remain. To stay and fight a duel Seems, on the whole, the proper thing to do-- Ah, you are strong,--I would not then be cruel, If I were you!
|nellie| One does not like one's feelings to be doubted,--
|frank| One does not like one's friends to misconstrue,--
|nellie| If I confess that I a wee-bit pouted?
|frank| I should admit that I was _piqué_, too.
|nellie| Ask me to dance. I'd say no more about it, If I were you!