THE BARDS WE QUOTE by BERT LESTON TAYLOR

Whene'er I quote I seldom take
From bards whom angel hosts environ;
But usually some damned rake
Like Byron.

Of Whittier I think a lot,
My fancy to him often turns;
But when I quote 'tis some such sot
As Burns.

I'm very fond of Bryant, too,
He brings to me the woodland smelley;
Why should I quote that "village roo,"
P. Shelley?

I think Felicia Hemans great,
I dote upon Jean Ingelow;
Yet quote from such a reprobate
As Poe.

To quote from drunkard or from rake
Is not a proper thing to do.
I find the habit hard to break,
Don't you?

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