Oh, you who've been a-fishing will indorse me when I say That it always is the biggest fish you catch that gets away! 'Tis even so in other things—yes, in our greedy eyes The biggest boon is some elusive, never-captured prize; We angle for the honors and the sweets of human life Like fishermen we brave the seas that roll in end less strife; And then at last, when all is done and we are spent and gray, We own the biggest fish we've caught are those that got away. I would not have it otherwise; 'tis better there should be Much bigger fish than I have caught a-swimming in the sea; For now some worthier one than I may angle for that game May by his arts entice, entrap, and comprehend the same; Which, having done, perchance he'll bless the man who's proud to say That the biggest fish he ever caught were those that got away. THIRTY-NINE. HAPLESS day! O wretched day! I hoped you'd pass me by – Alas, the years have sneaked away And all is changed but I! Had I the power, I would remand But here you've crept upon me and Now, were I thirty-five, I could Undoubtedly look wise; For forty years are said to bring Sedateness superfine; But thirty-nine don't mean a thing A bas with thirty-nine! You healthy, hulking girls and boys, (Yet none believes this can be true And you, dear girl with velvet eyes, I wonder what you mean Through all our keen anxieties By keeping sweet sixteen. I was but jesting at the start- So, little children, roar and race As blithely as you can, And, sweetheart, let your tender Exalt the Day and Man; grace For then these factors (I 'll engage) All subtly shall combine To make both juvenile and sage The one who's thirty-nine! Yes, after all, I'm free to say I would much rather be For though my face be dark with care Each haply falls unto my share, For I am thirty-nine! 'Tis passing meet to make good cheer And lord it like a king, Since only once we catch the year Come, let us journey on our way A year, good Thirty-Nine! Sept. 2, 1889. |