IN VAUDEVILLE

In vaudeville the elder jest

Remains the one that's loved the best;

For 'tis the custom of the stage

To venerate and honor age

And look upon the old as blest.

Originality's a pest

That artist's labor hard to best—

Conservatism is the rage

In vaudeville.

The artist's arms are here expressed:

A slapstick argent as a crest

(It is an ancient heritage),

A seltzer siphon gules—the wage

Of newness is a lengthy rest

In vaudeville.