ethods of our poet

Are admittedly unique!

[Pg 10]

Tho’ he shows no sort of penitence at breaking

Ev’ry rule of English grammar and of style,

(Not a rhyme is too atrocious for his making,

Not a metre for his purpose is too vile!)

Tho’ his treatment is essentially destructive,

And his taste a thing that no one can admire,

There is something incontestably seductive

In the music of his lyre!

Gentle Reader, some apologies are needed

For depositing this volume on your desk,

Since the author has undoubtedly exceeded

All the limits of legitimate burlesque,

And we look with very genuine affection

To a Public who, for better or for worse,

Will relieve us of this villainous collection

Of abominable verse!

[Pg 11]
[Pg 12]
[Pg 13]

“Gentle Reader, who so patiently have waited”

Eve

I always love to picture Eve,

Whatever captious critics say,

As one who was, as I believe,

The nicest woman of her day;