Wisdom [Russian translation]

This I say, and this I know:

Love has seen the last of me.

Love's a trodden lane to woe,

Love's a path to misery.

This I know, and knew before,

This I tell you, of my years:

Hide your heart, and lock your door.

Hell's afloat in lovers' tears.

Give your heart, and toss and moan;

What a pretty fool you look!

I am sage, who sit alone;

Here's my wool, and here's my book.

Look! A lad's a-waiting there,

Tall he is and bold, and gay.

What the devil do I care

What I know, and what I say?

• Artist:Dorothy Parker