A Parallel

1 
A has a wife who loves him much
  And clings to him with fervour great; 
But A 's perversity is such
  He really seems to loathe his mate. 
I, who am B, observe with pain
  A's brutal conduct and disdain.
2 
I, pining for a soul to love, 
  Procure a small fox terrier, C;
When (who can tell the springs which move
  The canine mind?) she takes to me. 
She shares my meal. Her nightly doze
  Is taken on my chest or toes.
3 
So, for three long delightful days 
  I thrill with selfish exultation;
I laud her most obtrusive ways,
  I drag her all about the station;
At office, dinner, walk, or ride, 
  I like to have her at my side.
4 
About my path, about my bed,
  Come sure and certain as the Fates,
The pattering feet, the wistful head,
  The liquid gaze that—irritates.
I fight against a growing chill;
  I strive to think I love her still.
5 
My days grow void of all delight, 
  She follows me to every place;
I cannot take my rest at night,
  She licks devotedly my face. 
The tail that wags for none but me
  Becomes a meek monotony.
6 
I make no other dog my care
  (I wish that I could tell her so),
Or wander off to places where
  A good fox terrier should not go.
I only want at times to be
  Alone with no one else but me.
7 
I do not care for winning ways
  From six A.M. till ten at night; 
I even shun her liquid gaze;
  I almost wish that she could bite. 
I cannot thrash her off—I tried.
  It bound her closer to my side.
8 
'Tis wrong to kill, 'tis vain to strike.
  I will not cast her off—as yet.
I have no reason for dislike.
  I know I ought to love my pet. 
I know I am a heartless traitor
  Which makes me more than ever hate her.

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