They were fine, to be sure, but ’tis better at times

To write something new; on occasions like these

One should write on the spot of the thing that he sees.”

“For shame!” cried Neoma. She led him away

To help the poor “Oracle” scrub off the clay;

She rubbed him and scrubbed him and wheedled him ’round,

Till he said he was glad that he didn’t get drowned.

Now the house became flooded, and to the top floor

They were driven. In eddies the flood-waters tore

Around through the hall and the parlor below