WHAT a curious world is this—
Things we crave and things we miss!
All the men are dickering,
Half the women bickering,
Moth-wings caught within the wax keep the candles flickering.
Commerce and society
Bring the same satiety.
Love alone seems worth the while! …
Yet upon how few may smile
Pretty Kitty Pickering.

What a curious world is this—
Living, dying, for a kiss!
Boys at lovers snickering,
Jilted men a-liquoring,
Every maid upon her hand longing for a thicker'ring,—
Finding in distraction
Never satisfaction.
Yet to lose love were worth while
Had you known her winsome smile—
Pretty Kitty Pickering.