Analysis of Good - Better - Best

When young, in tones quite positive
   I said, "The world shall see
That I can keep myself from sin;
   A good man I will be."

But when I loved Miss Kate St. Clair
   'Twas thus my musing ran:
"I cannot be compared with her;
   I'll be a better man."

'Twas at the wedding of a friend
   (He married Kate St. Clair)
That I became superlative,
   For I was "best man" there.