‘You have a handsome face’ she said to me

Midst other praises she did happily sing;

Full unaccustomed to such flattery

I thought, perhaps, she fancied but a fling.

“What is it women want?” I braved to ask…

‘Why love, of course, and faithfulness to death,

Wit and humor, someone who makes them laugh,

And strength unbridled, confidence, I guess;

‘‘But there are likely many of that ilk—

In your broad travels, some have surely passed

Who might have loved you with undying will?”

‘A few, but lacking station, means and class…

Well, I must go, it’s sure been nice to gab,

I left my purse, no doubt you’ve got the tab.’