THEY say that Smithman spends his life in dodging bills he ought to pay. They say that Biffkin beats his wife, and feeds his children bran and hay. They say that Jinx, the dry goods prince, burned down his store, with fell intent. They say that Jasper Julius Quince held up an orphan for a cent. Thus Rumor, with its evil tongue, goes drifting through the busy mart, and baseless, vicious tales are sprung, which wreck your fame and break your heart. The busy scandal-monger cries, "Of course the yarn may not be true, but still they say that Reuben Wise steals chickens every night or two." Then Reuben, in his native town, becomes a shunned and lonely man; "They Say" has ruined his renown, and made him outcast from his clan. The scandalmonger drifts along, and makes his old accustomed noise: "They say Jane Juice is going wrong—she's much too friendly with the boys." Then Jane from social scenes is missed, in every glance she finds a freeze; "They Say" has barred her from bridge whist, and banned her from the Purple Teas. Old Booze has scattered woe and sin, and broken hearts, along his way; but he plays second violin, I often think, beside "They Say." | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...FOURTH BOOK OF AIRS: SONG 7. CHERRY RIPE by THOMAS CAMPION DICK, A MAGGOT by JONATHAN SWIFT NO PLEDGES by FLORA J. ARNSTEIN GIRLS! PASS ALONG! by PIERRE JEAN DE BERANGER JOB 14. JOB'S ENTREATY by OLD TESTAMENT BIBLE THE GREEN GRENADIERS by HARRY RANDOLPH BLYTHE BRITANNIA'S PASTORALS: BOOK 1. THE SECOND SONG by WILLIAM BROWNE (1591-1643) |