In his poem “The Betrothed,” Rudyard Kipling speaks from the point of view of a bachelor contemplating the benefits of his fiance’, Maggie, versus the pleasures of a good cigar. What follows are a few lines to provide a flavor for the writer’s dilemma.
“Open the old cigar-box, get me a Cuba stout, For things are running crossways, and Maggie and I are out. We quarreled about Havanas—we fought o’er a good cheroot, And I know she is exacting, and she says I am a brute.”
“Maggie is pretty to look at—Maggie’s a loving lass, But the prettiest cheeks must wrinkle, the truest of loves must pass.”
“For Maggie has written a letter to give me my choice between, The wee little whimpering Love and the great god Nick o’Teen. And I have been servant of Love for barely a twelvemonth clear, But I have been Priest of Cabanas a matter of seven year;
“Open the old cigar-box—let me consider anew—Old friends, and who is Maggie that I should abandon you? A million surplus Maggies are willing to bear the yoke; And a woman is only a woman, but a good Cigar is a smoke.”
