You are down on me—ah! like a shot—with Demand,
But as to Supply—ah! that's just where you get me.
Water? You frosty old fraud, not a drop,
Save what I have purchased from urchins half frozen,
I've had for six weeks for my house and my shop,
And they tell me the six weeks may swell to a dozen!
Call that Water-Supply, Mister Mulberry Nose?
Why, your oozy old eyelids seem winking in mockery,
My cisterns are empty, my pipes frozen close,
I've nothing for washing my hands, clothes or crockery.