WHO buys a house, however fine In architectural design, And howsoever vast and grand The prospect which it may command, May very prudently explore Concerning one condition more: So Sadi sings, and tells of one, Somewhere beneath the Persian sun, Who thought to buy a mansion where A foul-mouthed broker praised the air And all things else, with eager voice: "You could not make a better choice," The fellow bawled. "Now, look ye here! I've lived next door this twenty year, And know the house is fairly worth Ten times the price! There's not on earth A finer building! Just inspect The place, and mention one defect!" "Why, truly," said the man, "I see But one." "Indeed! what may it be?" "The house I should not reckon dear, I think, -- if yours were not so near!" |