BENEATH the gaslight’s brilliant glare
The feast was spread with dainties rare.
My whole was set with silver fine,
And shining glass and sparkling wine.
A wise professor, old and staid,
Was talking to a chattering maid.
In ancient lore she was not versed,
She was my last, and he my first;
While I across the table sat,
Wishing I could enjoy her chat.
[101]
OLD Deacon Griggs made money fast;
His greatest virtue was my last.
But his son John turned out my whole,
Which grieved the deacon’s sordid soul;
For hast’ning to my first, the son
Disbursed the gold that Griggs had won.
[102]
AN ancient family of Chaldee
Went from my first to Canaan’s land.
My second I can never see,
But I can hold it in my hand.
My whole is found on the ocean’s bed,
Though often on pillows he rests his head.
[103]
UPON my last I saw a yacht;
My last is smooth, my first is not.
My first felt Alexander’s blade,
My last has formed a strong blockade;
Both can be broken, cut or made;
And when you see my whole displayed
Upon my last, oh, then beware!
To venture near it do not dare.