Fuess and Stearns, comps. The Little Book of Society Verse. 1922.
By. Oliver GoldsmithThe Gift
To Iris, in Bow Street, Covent Garden
S
Dear mercenary beauty,
What annual offering shall I make
Expressive of my duty?
Shall I at once deliver,
Say, would the angry fair one prize
The gift who slights the giver?
My rivals give—and let them,
If gems or gold impart a joy,
I’ll give them when I get them.
Or rosebud more in fashion;
Such short-lived offerings but disclose
A transitory passion.
Not less sincere than civil:
I’ll give thee—ah! too charming maid,
I’ll give thee—to the devil.