• New England Magazine (September, 1896)   "Outbid"   A poem in 32 verses. Page 128.  [MOA]

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from New England Magazine
Outbid
by Ellis Parker Butler

When Cupid held an auction sale,
    I hastened to his mart,
For I had heard that he would sell
    The blue-eyed Dora's heart.

I brought a wealth of truest love,
    The most that I could proffer,
Because, forsooth, of stocks or bonds
    I had not one to offer.

When Cupid offered Dora's heart,
    I bid my whole heart's love,
A love that reached from sea to sea
    And to the sky above;

And When Sir Cupid called for more,
    I bid my hands and life,
That should be hers for servitude
    If she became my wife.

Then "Going! going!" Cupid cried;
    The silence was intense
Until old Goldbags said, "I bid
    My stocks and four per cents!"

Then Cupid cried, "Fair Dora's heart,
    That ne'er was sold before!
Does anybody raise the bid?
    Will any offer more?"

"If not--," but Count Decrepit rose,
    Infirm, decayed and slim;
"I hid my title!" and her heart
    Was there knocked down to him.

Well! titles may be more than love!
    I shall not rant nor rail;
For after all I much prefer
    Some heart that's not for sale!

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