Keep away from women, boy,
And play a lonely game.
For the bad ones make you crooked
And the good ones make you tame.

They want to keep you sheltered
From the stress and storm of chance,
And they hold you from adventure
By the spell of soft romance.

Keep away from women, boy.
They either break your heart
With falseness and with mockery
And coldly cruel art,

Or else, with changing kisses
And with fond and loving charm,
They keep you from the struggle
And they spoil your fighting arm.

Keep away from women, boy,
Wherever they may lurk.
They make your courage falter
And they play the deuce with work.

They weave you silken fetters
Which are stronger far than steel.
They rob your soul of daring
And you heart and brain of zeal.

Keep away from women, boy,
And shun their loveliness,
And you shall tread unswervingly
The pathway to success.

The world shall hail you master,
And fortune heed your call,
And you shall reach the lonely heights -

And never live at all.

- Berton Braley

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