But while I was noting the forms and the faces Of those who were present--their faults and their graces-- Reposing my arm on a volume of Tupper, I was startled to hear the announcement of 'SUPPER.' Rejoiced at the news of a change in the bill, I sprang from my seat with an excellent will, Presented my arm to a feminine guest, And marched to a neighboring room with the rest. O Ceres and Bacchus! would I were but able To picture e'en faintly the scene on the table! There was every conceivable thing, beyond question, That could tickle the palate and ruin digestion. Of course there were oysters in various styles, And sandwiches ranged in appropriate piles; And turkey was present in lavish abundance, And of lobster there seemed to be quite a redundance. The cakes on the board were amazingly nice-- The largest encased in their saccharine ice, While some, that with nuts or with fruit were embellished, Expectant appeared to be tasted and relished. The light was reflected in many a gleam From mountains of jelly and towers of cream, With castles of Russes (I'd scorn to enlarge) Which, like Yorktown, were taken without any charge. And then there were several baskets of fruit-- Of such as were held in the highest repute-- With nuts, that in reckless profusion were stacked, And (like most of the jokes) had already been cracked. The liquors were all of the costliest brands (They had all been obtained at 'respectable stands'); And as quickly were bottles deprived of champagne, As ever were clouds of their treasures of rain. Some lauded the Heidsick, while others concurred In the settled opinion that 'Mumm' was the word. The sires and the matrons, the lads and the lasses, Were pledging each other and clicking their glasses; And several gentlemen present were fain Their goblets of stronger potations to drain: On trifles they certainly never could bandy, So great was their liking for excellent brandy. For those who might happen to be in the throng Whose nerves should be weak, or their principles strong, A due preparation was graciously made In the shape of a bowl of the best lemonade. They ate and they drank, and they laughed and they chattered, They simpered, and bantered, and lavishly flattered, Till, finally, weary of such an employment, They left for the scene of their former enjoyment. And now, I had hoped there would be a variety, For dancing, I thought, had been done to satiety; But, as soon as the party reentered the room, My hopes were consigned to a terrible doom; For I saw, to my horror, a body of dancers, Who were clearly intent on performing 'The Lancers.'