A MAN'S IDEAL

A lovely little keeper of the home,

Absorbed in menu books, yet erudite

When I need counsel; quick at repartee

And slow to anger. Modest as a flower,

Yet scintillant and radiant as a star.

Unmercenary in her mould of mind,

While opulent and dainty in her tastes.

A nature generous and free, albeit

The incarnation of economy.

She must be chaste as proud Diana was,

Yet warm as Venus. To all others cold

As some white glacier glittering in the sun;

To me as ardent as the sensuous rose

That yields its sweetness to the burrowing bee

All ignorant of evil in the world,

And innocent as any cloistered nun,

Yet wise as Phryne in the arts of love

When I come thirsting to her nectared lips.

Good as the best, and tempting as the worst,

A saint, a siren, and a paradox.