THE INFLUENZA-MASK.
"Shall I," he cried, "who made the Hun skedaddle
And caused the Wacht an Rhein to lose its job,
Taught Johnny Turk the use of boot and saddle
And fetched out FERDINANDO for a blob—
Shall I allow each little grinning urchin
To move me from my purpose? Shall I shrink
For fear of idle Rumour wagging her chin?
No, no! I do not think.
"My high emprise may set the suburbs hooting
And lay me under Balham's local curse;
There be—I know it—those in Upper Tooting
Would lynch the prophet and insult his hearse;
But when my feet have kicked this mortal bucket
Millions will bless me!—more I cannot ask;
So, John, distract me not! Jemima, chuck it!
And, Jane, bring forth the mask!"