The Elko Independent

Ego and Echo—A Fantasy.

BY JOHN G. SAXE.

I asked Echo, t'other day,

(Whose words are few and often funny,)

What, to a novice, she could say

Of courtship, love, and matrimony?

Quoth Echo plainly, "Matter o' money."

Whom should I marry? Should it be

A dashing damsel, gay and pert—

A pattern of inconsistency,

Or selfish, mercenary flirt?

Quoth Echo sharply, "Nary flirt!"

What if a weary of the strife

That long has lured the gay deceiver,

She promised to amend her life,

And sin no more: can I believe her?

Quoth Echo with decision, "Leave her!"

But if some maiden with a heart

On me should venture to bestow it,

Pray, should I not the wiser part

To take that treasure or forego it?

Quoth Echo very promptly, "Go it!"

But what if, seemingly afraid

To bind her fate in Hymen's fetter,

She vows she means to die a maid,

In answer to my loving letter?

Quoth Echo very cooly, "Let her!"

What if in spite of her disdain

I find my heart entwined about

With Cupid's dear, delicious chain,

So closely that I can't get out?

Quoth Echo, laughingly, "Get out!"

But if some maid with beauty blest,

As pure and fair as Heaven can make her,

Will share my labor and my rest

Till envious death shall overtake her,

Quoth Echo (sotto voce), "Take her!"