You have heard that gag historic;
It was often sprung by Yorick;
It’s as old as Noah’s ark
And its crew.
It’s the commonest (at basis)
Of all common commonplaces;—
So I merely would remark
That—it’s true.
THE BARDS WE QUOTE
Whene’er I quote I seldom take
From bards whom angel hosts environ;
But usually some damned rake
Like Byron.
Of Whittier I think a lot,
My fancy to him often turns;
But when I quote ’tis some such sot
As Burns.
I’m very fond of Bryant, too,
He brings to me the woodland smelly;
Why should I quote that “village roo,”
P. Shelley?
I think Felicia Hemans great,
I dote upon Jean Ingelow;
Yet quote from such a reprobate
As Poe.
To quote from drunkard or from rake
Is not a proper thing to do.
I find the habit hard to break,
Don’t you?