That buzzes loud and stings.

Oilmen who run in debt, despite their rapid talk,

Not very often come out faster than a walk.

Uneasy lies the face that wears a frown;

No wonder, at the rate crude-oil goes down.

“What are your favorite books?” the gushing damsel cried;

“Bank-books and pocket-books,” the oilman quick replied.

Idle gossip? Oh, no, that isn’t right,

For gossip keeps on working day and night,

Beating a flowing oil-well out of sight.