Yea, leave its "hen," its "fox," its "cat," and "cheese"—
For where is he who can burlesque burlesque?
And this strange playwright, mystic, wonderful,
Loved stage plays with a love that was his doom!
For lo! this "Promise" played by Bernardbeere
Has gained, at least, this very doubtful fame—
Hereafter, through all ages—"'Twas no good!"
The critics, o'er its threadbare plot,
Ere long grew "crusty"—one and all.
Said they, "'Twill fail; such awful rot