Ellis Parker Butler

Outbid

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!