No merry whistle, smile nor laugh could be perceived at all,—
What dire disaster could have brought upon the town this pall!
He called upon a wealthy youth, who said, “I’m all at sea,—
What stocks to buy, how to invest—it almost crazes me!
Before a rich man I became, I had all sorts of fun,
But since my wish, a moment’s joy I haven’t had, not one!”
And thus ’twas so all through the town. Each testified the same;
Not one was half so happy as before the Wish-Man came.
“Ah, ha!” Perhaps by this you’ve guessed who was the stranger man;
If not, by throwing out this hint, I’m very sure you can!