Thomas R. Lounsbury, ed. (1838–1915). Yale Book of American Verse. 1912.
In the Athenæum GalleryOliver Wendell Holmes 18091894
Oliver Wendell Holmes95 To the Portrait of A Lady
W
I wonder what ’s your name,
I wonder how you came to be
In such a stylish frame;
Perhaps you were a favorite child,
Perhaps an only one;
Perhaps your friends were not aware
You had your portrait done!
I cannot think that Sin Would care to throw his loaded dice, With such a stake to win; I cannot think you would provoke The poet’s wicked pen, Or make young women bite their lips, Or ruin fine young men. Of boys that go about, Who, for a very trifling sum, Will snip one’s picture out? I ’m not averse to red and white, But all things have their place, I think a profile cut in black Would suit your style of face! That I should like myself To see my portrait on a wall, Or bust upon a shelf; But nature sometimes makes one up Of such sad odds and ends, It really might be quite as well Hushed up among one’s friends!