There, of course, they need do no more

Than present themselves at the free-list door;

Over the book Jack Falstaff bends,

To write the name of "Shakspeare and Friends."

When, lo! with sighs, and tears in his eyes,

And to everybody's immense surprise,

Mr. Parker cries,

With a look of most discomfiting woe,

"I'm exceedingly sorry to tell you so,

But 'Shakspeare and friends' are now no go;