Poem by Carolyn Wells

The Rivals

Two well-built men, neither giant nor dwarf,
Were Monsieur Elims and Mynheer Nworf.
They lived in a town not far away,
And spent their time in work and play.
Now Monsieur Elims was loved by all--
By rich and poor, by great and small.
And Mynheer Nworf remarked one day,
"Brother, explain to me, I pray,
Why no one likes me as well as you,
No matter what I may say or do.
I have stores of knowledge packed in my head;
I am learned and wise and very well read;
I can dance, I can sing, I'm extremely polite;
I am worth a large fortune all in my own right.
But still,--and this question has caused me much thought,--
While I am neglected, you're everywhere sought."
Monsieur Elims replied: "My dear sir, that is true,
But you see, I am I, and you see, you are you.
If I receive praises and you receive blame,
'Tis doubtless because each lives up to his name."

You'll find his defence rather puzzling, I fear;
But read their names backward--the meaning is clear.

1. The Happy Hyena
2. How the Cat Was Belled
3. An Intercepted Valentine
4. A Tragic Tale of Tea
5. The Arch Armadillo

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