In the January night,
And dirt—dirt—dirt!
While the weather is muggy though bright.
Smell, and slime, and reek,
Reek, and slime and smell;
Till over the kerbstone I fall and slip,
And smother myself as well.
O! but for one short hour!
A respite: 'twould be so sweet!
I'd bless the scavenger's shovel and broom,