The second thereat spied a poor little gnat Go toiling along on his nose broad and flat Toward the Rhine--pleasant Rhine; "Aha, tiny friend, I should hate to offend, But your stockings need darning," which same did he mend, All for wine--soothing wine! And next there occurred what you'll deem quite absurd-- His needle a space in the wall thrust the third, By the Rhine--wondrous Rhine; And then, all so spry, he leapt through the eye Of that thin cambric needle; nay, think you I'd lie About wine? Not for wine! The landlord allowed (with a smile) he was proud To do the fair thing by that talented crowd On the Rhine--generous Rhine! So a thimble filled he as full as could be; "Drink long and drink hearty, my jolly guests three, Of my wine--filling wine!" MORNING HYMN. I'd dearly love to tear my hair And romp around a bit, For I am mad enough to swear Since Brother Chauncy quit. I am so vilely prone to sin-- Vain ribald that I am-- I'd take a hideous pleasure in Just one prodigious "damn." But shall I yield to Satan's wiles And let my passions swell? Nay, I will wreath my face in smiles, And mock the powers of hell. And howsoever pride may roll Its billows through my frame, I'll not condemn my precious soul Unto the quenchless flame! But rather will I humbly pray Divinity to wash From out my mouth such words away As "Jiminy" and "Gosh." DOCTORS. 'Tis quite the thing to say and sing Gross libels on the doctor-- To picture him an ogre grim Or humbug-pill concocter; Yet it's in quite another light My friendly pen would show him-- Glad that it might with verse repay Some part of what I owe him! When one's all right he's prone to spite The doctor's peaceful mission; But, when he's sick, it's loud and quick He bawls for a physician! With other things the doctor brings Sweet babes our hearts to soften; Though I have four, I pine for more-- Good doctor, pray, come often! What though he sees death and disease Run riot all around him, Patient and true, and valorous, too-- Such have I always found him! Where'er he goes he soothes our woes, And, when skill's unavailing And death is near, his words of cheer Support our courage failing. In ancient days they used to praise The godlike art of healing; An art that then engaged all men Possessed of sense and feeling; Why, Raleigh--he was glad to be Famed for a quack elixir, And Digby sold (as we are told) A charm for folk love-sick, sir! Napoleon knew a thing or two, And clearly he was partial To doctors, for, in time of war, He chose one for marshal, In our great cause a doctor was The first to pass death's portal, And Warren's name at once became A beacon and immortal!