Classic Poem

SOLD ON BEHALF OF A HOUSING SCHEME

S TROPHE :

" An author who has what is called a vogue —
That can, like mushroom, spring up overnight —
A thing of air, and apt to vanish quite —
Runs ev'ry risk that he may seem a rogue
When signed editions he goes marketing,
Priced at as many guineas as he dare,
And, trusting to the Public's want of flair,
Makes major money from a minor thing. "

A NTISTROPHE :

" But, carping Sir, your author is a bird
Who, like as not, believes that he will sing
And soar, until the booklet signed, will bring
A price that makes its present price absurd.
A very peacock-fantail-phaenix, he;
The more you warn him of his coming fall
Or tell him that he's nothing worth at all,
The more his pinnacle in air he'll see! "