Classic Poem

A THOUGHTFUL brow and face — of sallow hue,
But warm with welcome, as we find him there,
Throned in his old misnomered " easy chair, "
Scrawling a " leader, " or a book-review;
Or staring through the roof for something new
With which to lift a wretched rival's hair,
Or blow some petty clique in empty air
And snap the party-ligaments in two.
A man he is deserving well of thee, —
So be compassionate — yea, pay thy dues,
Nor pamper him with thy spring-poetry,
But haul him wood, or something he can use;
And promptly act, nor tarry long when he
Gnaweth his pen and glareth rabidly.