On smiling wealth, intemp'rance war began, Away young health and mother genius flew; And when from [health] the child and parent ran, In stepped Dyspepsia belching, how do ye do? 'Twas then the din of desperation rose, Pleasure and pain at once their daggers drew; Pain with his rod struck pleasure on the nose -- In stepped lean Palsy trembling, how do ye do? Young health came back to take a peep, But stay'd not long the ghastly sight to view; And on her flight could not forbear to weep -- In stepped the Cholic frowning, how do ye do? She heard the crash of gambling rend the floor, And in the house saw poverty's dull crew; When down the foot of Bolus kicked the door -- In stepped the King of Terrors, how do ye do? | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...LIMBO by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE A TRIBUTE OF GRASSES by HAMLIN GARLAND MY AIN WIFE by ALEXANDER LAING DOCTOR FELL by MARCUS VALERIUS MARTIALIS WESTWARD HO! by CINCINNATUS HEINE MILLER POLWART ON THE GREEN by ALLAN RAMSAY SUNSET-MOOD by STANLEY E. BABB COMMENDATORY VERSES TO WILLIAM BROWNE'S 'BRITANNIA'S PASTORALS' by WILLIAM BASSE |