He oft entreated me to set him right.

“Tell me what I must read,” he plead with zest,

“Just put me wise and I’ll sit up all night.

Come, tip me off. What books should I enjoy

Would you just coach me?” Would I? ’Aaaboy!

...

Scarce had term opened when he wrote to me

(Cigars, I add, accompanied the letter).

He said he’d done the books and wished to see

Another list, the longer one, the better.