"Some suburb-palace, parked about 90 And gated grandly, built last year; The four-mile walk to keep off gout; Or big seat sold by bankrupt peer-- But then he takes the rail, that's clear. "Or, stop! I wager, taste selects 95 Some out o' the way, some all-unknown Retreat; the neighborhood suspects Little that he who rambles lone Makes Rothschild tremble on his throne!" Nowise! Nor Mayfair residence 100 Fit to receive and entertain-- Nor Hampstead villa's kind defense From noise and crowd, from dust and drain-- Nor country-box was soul's domain! Nowise! At back of all that spread 105 Of merchandise, woe's me, I find A hole i' the wall where, heels by head, The owner couched, his ware behind --In cupboard suited to his mind. For why? He saw no use of life 110 But, while he drove a roaring trade, To chuckle, "Customers are rife!" To chafe, "So much hard cash outlaid Yet zero in my profits made! "This novelty costs pains, but--takes? 115 Cumbers my counter! Stock no more! This article, no such great shakes, Fizzes like wildfire? Underscore The cheap thing--thousands to the fore!" 'Twas lodging best to live most nigh 120 (Cramp, coffinlike as crib might be) Receipt of Custom; ear and eye Wanted no outworld: "Hear and see The bustle in the shop!" quoth he My fancy of a merchant-prince 125 Was different. Through his wares we groped Our darkling way to--not to mince The matter--no black den where moped The master if we interloped! Shop was shop only: household-stuff? 130 What did he want with comforts there? "Walls, ceiling, floor, stay blank and rough, So goods on sale show rich and rare! '_Sell and scud home_' be shop's affair!" What might he deal in? Gems, suppose! 135 Since somehow business must be done At cost of trouble--see, he throws You choice of jewels, everyone, Good, better, best, star, moon, and sun! Which lies within your power of purse? 140 This ruby that would tip aright Solomon's scepter? Oh, your nurse Wants simply coral, the delight Of teething baby--stuff to bite! Howe'er your choice fell, straight you took 145 Your purchase, prompt your money rang On counter--scarce the man forsook His study of the "Times," just swang Till-ward his hand that stopped the clang--