In all Romances

And poet's fancies

Where Cupid prances,

Embowered in flowers,

The tale advances

'Mid circumstances

That check love's chances

Through tragic hours.

The reader's doleful now,

The lover's soulful now,

At least a bowlful now

Of tears are poured.

The villain makes a hit,

The reader throws a fit,

The author grins a bit

And draws his sword!

Strikes down Fate's lances,

Avoids mischances,

And deftly cans his

Loquacious lore

'Mid ardent glances

And lover's trances

And wedding dances

Forevermore.