There! I've touched up the lightning, and now I am ready!

But, though I must look bright, expectant, and steady,

I don't feel percisely in clover!

[Left waiting for patronage.


THE DECADENT LOVER OF FICTION.

"One love, one life," was my ancient manner,

For introspection I had no brain,

But I would have died beneath her banner,

Or I would have lived, her grace to gain.