I was pure, unsullied, white as snow,
But a little while ago,
When, by a tremendous squeeze,
I was spotted as you please.
Now, if you but look at me,
Something funny you will see,
That I am striped, spotted, white,
Yet that I am red to-night.
[7]
In Eden first, nigh the forbidden tree,
Found I my germ, as man his destiny;
Down in the depths of hell I had my birth;
I tortures there invented spread o’er Earth.
The man who strives for Fame’s approving nod,
I strike him on the face, he lies a clod.
I walk the public halls, and cheeks turn pale;
The speaker hears me, and his heart doth fail.
The young debutant on histrionic boards
Hath grace or ruin as my mood accords.
When two great powers (both vital friends of man
And both his enemies) in battle stand,
When over, under in their rage they roll;
Nor ever cease the fight, without control
Then am I found, and in the expiring sigh
The vanquished wrestler utters, then I die.
[8]
I am always seen in sugar,
And always seen in salt.
I am never seen in hops or beer,
But always seen in malt.
I’m never seen when it is light,
Yet, strange, I’m seen in day.
If you will look right sharp, I’m sure
You will find me when you stray.
I am never seen in coffee,
But always seen in tea.
I’m never found with mother,
With father I must be.
I’m always found with any thing,
Yet, strange as it may seem,
I’m never found in buttermilk,
But always found in cream.
I’m never found in good or sweet,
And never in your mind,
If you will study this right close,
My name you’ll surely find.
[9]
What force or strength can not get through,
I with a gentle touch can do;
And many in the street would stand,
Were I not as a friend at hand.
