The Art of Doing Without
By Minnie Leona Upton
THERE'S a beautiful art that is sadly neglected,
And daily I wonder to see it rejected
By some who'd be healthy and wealthy and wise
By just condescending to open their eyes,
And look at things fairly, with never a pout—
I refer to the fine art of doing without. “Why, that's nothing wonderful!”
maybe you'll say,
“I do without things I want, every day!”
Quite likely you do, but how do you do it—
With good grace, or a face that's as blue as a bluet?
There's a wonderful difference—just jot that down—
Between giving up things with a smile or a frown;
And that is precisely the difference between
The artist and bungler—you see what I mean. You can't do as you like? Then do as you can;
I'm sure you find it the very best plan.
Can't have what you want? Take what you can get;
No better device has been patented yet.
'Tis the bravest and blithest and best way by far,
Not to let little losses your happiness mar;
'Tis an art that needs practise, of that there's no doubt;
But 'tis worth it—this fine art of doing without.