Sauterne and quinine, saccharine and gall,

And try to please than both when death were fitter,

And never have my true desire at all!

So chained we sit—until I leave the human—

And I shall praise old Skullface, if he can

But rid me of that smooth and comely woman,

And the small, laughing, devil-twisted man!

OPERATION

(For J. F. C. Jr.)

Bound to the polished table, arm and leg,