On the staff of the local “Town Topics.”

(Such misconduct produced in the eyes of this vile one

A cataract nearly as large as the Nile one!)

Then Godiva returned, and the Earl had to yield,

(And the paralyzed pressman dictated his cable;)

The tax was remitted, the bells were repealed,

And the horse was returned to the stable;

While banners were waved from each possible quarter,

Except from the flat of the stricken reporter.

Now the Moral is this—if I’ve fathomed the tale