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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE DILEMMA by JOHN GODFREY SAXE

First Line: TWO FASHIONABLE WOMEN, RATHER GAY
Last Line: "I HAVE N'T CHARACTER ENOUGH FOR TWO!"
Subject(s): FRIENDSHIP;

TWO fashionable women, rather gay
Than wise, were bosom friends for many a year,
And called each other darling, duck, and dear,
As lovers do, -- till, one unlucky day,
The younger, falling into sad disgrace
(An old suspicion blackening into proof),
Her cautious crony coldly kept aloof,
And, for a time, discreetly hid her face.
Meeting at last, the injured lady cries,
"Is this the way you cherish and defend
The wounded honor of your dearest friend?"
"Of course I knew," the timid dame replies,
"The tale was false, -- but then what could I do? --
I have n't character enough for two!"



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