The shades of night were falling fast, As through an Eastern village passed A youth who bore, through dust and heat, A stencil plate, that read complete-- SAPOLIO! His brow was sad, but underneath, White with "Odonto" shone his teeth. And through them hissed the words, "Well, blow Me tight if here is 'ary show!" SAPOLIO! On household fences, gleaming bright, Shone "Gargling Oil," in black and white. Once "Bixby's Blacking" stood alone, He straight beside it clapped his own-- SAPOLIO! "Try not my fence," the old man said, "With 'Mustang Liniment' 'tis spread, Another vacant spot thar ain't," He answered with a dash of paint-- SAPOLIO! "O, stay," the maiden said, "a rest Pray give us! What with 'Bixby's Best,' And 'Simmons' Pills,' we're like to die." He only answered, "Will you try-- SAPOLIO?" "Beware them Peaks! That wall so bright Is but a snow bank, gleaming white, Your paint won't stick!"; came the reply, "I've done it! How is that for high?" "SAPOLIO." One Sabbath morn, as heavenward White mountain tourists slowly spurred, On ev'ry rock to their dismay, They read that legend strange, alway "SAPOLIO." There on the summit, old and fat, Shameless, but vigorous he sat, While on their luggage as they passed, He checked that word, from first to last, "SAPOLIO." * * * * * Advertising parodies of _Excelsior_ abound. Extracts from a few of the best are given below:-- 13, CROSS CHEAPING. The shades of night were falling fast, As through the ancient city passed, A youth who scorned to pause or stop, Until he reached that noted shop, 13, CROSS CHEAPING. In happy homes he saw the light, Of household fires gleam warm and bright; He heeded not the cheerful coal, But strode straight onward to his goal, 13, CROSS CHEAPING. "Beware of rain," an old man said, "Dark lowers the tempest overhead," The youth made quite a little speech, "I fear no rain if once I reach 13, CROSS CHEAPING." "Oh stay," a maiden said, "and rest; Put not your strength to further test," A smile lurked in his bright blue eye, And merrily he made reply: "13, CROSS CHEAPING." "Once safely there, I shall forget My tired feet, and dread of wet; Whilst buying where I've bought before; Whilst choosing from that well-filled store, 13, CROSS CHEAPING."