Classic Poem

One Mr. B — — ,
A joker he,
While in a jovial mood,
Tried to explain
To neighbor N — —
A joke which he thought good.

His hearer, Neff,
Was very deaf,
And couldn't catch the joke;
Whereat B — — smiled,
Though slightly " riled, "
And thus to him he spoke: —

" 'Tis plain to me
As A B C,
My dear friend, Mr. Neff! "
" Oh, yes! but then, "
Says Mr. N — — ,
" You know I'm D E F! "