The Choice [Russian translation]

He'd have given me rolling lands,

Houses of marble, and billowing farms,

Pearls, to trickle between my hands,

Smoldering rubies, to circle my arms.

You- you'd only a lilting song,

Only a melody, happy and high,

You were sudden and swift and strong-

Never a thought for another had I.

He'd have given me laces rare,

Dresses that glimmered with frosty sheen,

Shining ribbons to wrap my hair,

Horses to draw me, as fine as a queen.

You- you'd only to whistle low,

Gayly I followed wherever you led.

I took you, and I let him go-

Somebody ought to examine my head!

• Artist:Dorothy Parker