TO MRS O . . . . . . N  C . . . T 
 
Written during the first session of the Licensing Committee of 
the London County Council. 
 
I WILL not bring abuse to point my pen, 
Nor a sarcastic tongue. 
Think only what you might be, before men, 
If you were young. 
 
What fierce temptations might not lovers bring 
In London’s wicked city ? 
Perhaps you might yourself have one wee fling, 
If you were pretty. 
 
What might not hard starvation drive you to, 
With Death so near and sure ? 
Perhaps it might drive even virtuous you, 
If you were poor. 
 
But is it just, or grateful to the One 
That keeps even you from wrong ? 
Or even humble to shriek, “ Get you gone, 
For I am strong ” ? 
 
Temptation has not touched you, Mrs C . . . t ! 
Forsooth, I do not lie there, 
For you are only not the thing you aren’t 
Through being neither. 
 
 
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