THOUGHTS ON HIS WINE-MERCHANT.

I love my Wine-merchant—he talks with a charm

That robs his most dubious vintage of harm.

And the choicest Havanas less comforting are

Than the fumes of his special commended cigar.

I'm a reticent man, with a palate of wood,

And I judge by results if a vintage be good.

But I own to the charm of my Wine-merchant's worst,

If he gives me his comforting flattery first.