Wide spreads the infectious laugh, and even a while

The losing litigant consents to smile;

*  *  *  *  *

All but the macer, grieved to see no more

The classic gravity that Corehouse wore.

But to return: if you have owed to me

One witless jest, one pointless repartee—

If I at good mens’ feasts too long have lolled,

And seldom stirred when bells to church have knolled—

If censuring tongues might of my errors tell,