[Maté, an infusion of the prepared leaves of the Ilex paraguayensis, or Brazilian holly, long familiar in South America, is coming into fashion in London.]

In happy ante-bellum days,

To quote a memorable phrase,

"Whisky and beer, or even wine,

Were good enough for me"—and mine.

But now, in view of heightened taxes

And all that grim McKenna axes,

I have religiously tabooed

All alcohol—distilled or brewed.

But "minerals" are now expensive,