The Spread Eagle and Other Stories
By
Gouverneur Morris
Author of “The Footprint, and Other Stories,” etc.
1910
To Elsie, Patsie, and Kate
I had thought to sit in the ruler’s chair,
But three pretty girls are sitting there—
Elsie, Patsie, and Kate.
I had thought to lord it with eyes of gray,
I had thought to be master, and have my way;
But six blue eyes vote: nay, nay, nay!
_Elsie, Patsie, and Kate.
Of Petticoats three I am sore afraid,
(Though Kate’s is more like a candle-shade),
Elsie, Patsie, and Kate.
And I must confess (with shame) to you
That time there was when Petticoats two
Were enough to govern me through and through,
Elsie, Patsie, and Kate.
Oh Patsie, third of a bullying crew,
And Elsie, and Kate, be it known to you—
To Elsie, Patsie, and Kate,
That Elsie_ alone _was strong enough
To smother a motion, or call a bluff,
Or any small pitiful atom thereof—
Elsie, Patsie, and Kate.
So, though I’ve renounced that ruler’s part
To which I was born (as is writ in my heart),
Elsie, Patsie, and Kate,
Though I do what I’m told (yes, you_ know I do)
And am made to write stories (and sell them, too).
Still—I wish to God I had more like you,
Elsie, Patsie, and Kate.
BAR HARBOR, August, 1910.