We have changed your queer old custom.
Who'll buy your love-knots?
Who'll buy your love-knots?
Women they bind not, nor tie men.
You're a helpless gaoler, HYMEN!

"When the bargain is completed,
We have but to cry, 'We're cheated!'
And you'll find you're sold most sadly.
Love-knots? Fools'-knots! They tie badly.
Who'll buy _your_ love-knots?
Who'll buy _your_ love-knots?
Burdens you would lay our backs on--
Our reply is--TOLSTOI! JACKSON!"

HYMEN dropped his torch; its splutter
Was extinguished in the gutter.
"At my torch and crown of roses
These young minxes cock their noses.
Who'll buy my love-knots?
Who'll buy my love-knots?"
What's the use? 'Twixt Law and Passion,
HYMEN's plainly out of fashion!

LOVE, who saw the whole proceeding,
Would have laughed but for good breeding.
"Best join _me_," he cried, "Old Chappie!
IBSEN read, be free, and happy!
Who'll buy your love-knots?
Who'll buy your love-knots?