KE@AAH A
CONSTANCY
I was discussing oysters with a crony:
GOD sent to me the angels DIN and DONI.
«A man of spunk,” they urged, ‘‘ would hardly
choose
To breakfast every day chez Lapérouse.”’
“No!” I replied, ‘She would not do so, BUT
Think of his woe if Lapérouse were shut!
‘*T eat these oysters and I drink this wine
Solely to drown this misery of mine.
‘*Vet the last height of consolation’s cold:
Its pinnacle is—not to be consoled!
‘¢And though I sleep with Jane and Eleanor
I feel no better than I did before,
** And Julian only fixes in my mind
Even before feels better than behind.
‘*You are Mercurial spirits—be so kind
As to enable me to raise the wind.
‘“‘Put me in LAYLAH’S arms again: the
Accurst,
Leaving me that, elsechow may do his worst.”
DONI and DIN, perceiving me inspired,
Conceived their task was finished : they retired.
I turned upon my friend, and, breaking bounds,
Borrowed a trifle of two hundred pounds.
81 f