“I do not think that I can stand much more of this,” said the publisher faintly.

“In that case,” said the author, “I shall, without delay, recite a poem which I have called ‘In vino veritas.’”

In Vino Veritas.

“Singing ’e was. I tell yer, singing

as sweet as kiss me ’and—

a drunken sort o’chune, but swinging

the feet like if yer understand.

“I stood and watched ’is dancin’ shadder,

Lord wot a dancer! ’eel an’ toe.