Classic Poem

BY OUR OWN ROBERT BROWNING

As a poet heart- and fancy-free — whole,
I listened at the Carlyles' keyhole;
And I saw, I, Robert Browning, saw,
Tom hurl a teacup at Jane's jaw.
She silent sat, nor tried to speak up
When came the wallop with the teacup —
A cup not filled with Beaune or Clicquot,
But one that brimmed with Orange Pekoe.
" Jane Welsh Carlyle, " said Thomas, bold,
" The tea you brewed for m' breakfast's cold!
I'm feeling low i' my mind; a thing
You know b' this time. Have at you! " ... Bing!
And hurled, threw he at her the teacup;
And I wrote it, deeming it unique, up.