O. Henry Encore — The Modern Venus

(_Houston Daily Post_, Sunday morning, April 26, 1896. ) The Modern Venus The golden apple Paris gave To the most beautiful, To the fairest Aphrodite fell, Although she had no pull.

She did not need to plead her cause, Nor canvass, sue or beg;

She did not run her rivals down, Nor pull her best friend's leg.

She stood in beauteous youthfulness, Incarnate rose of love;

When Paris held the apple forth She did not scrouge or shove.

Alas!

our modern Venuses Far different methods use To gain the palm of loveliness Whenever one we choose.

Towns, churches and societies Now offer prizes rare To one among the pretty girls Who is adjudged most fair.

Our modern Venus hustles forth And campaigns all the town, And begs men to buy votes for her;

Smith, Johnson, Jones and Brown.

'Twas not thus Venus Victrix gained The gift of Priam's son.

By beauty, not by begging, was The golden apple won.