Too Great a Sacrifice

The maid, as by the papers doth appear, 

Whom fifty thousand dollars made so dear, 

To test Lothario’s passion, simply said, 

“Forego the weed before we go to wed. 

For smoke take flame; I ’ll be that flame’s bright fanner.

To have your Anna, give up your Havana.” 

But he, when thus she brought him to the scratch, 

Lit his cigar and threw away his match.

~ Anonymous