32
POEMS BY CLARA A. MERRILL
AS IT HAPPENED
As the circus train passed through the street
An Elephant caught the eye
Of a "rural duffer," who remarked
As the creature lumbered by,—
While a wondering look stole o 'er his phiz—
(No artist's hand could paint it;)
"Wa-al neow, Maria,—I swan to man
That's quite an insect, aint it?"
An Elephant caught the eye
Of a "rural duffer," who remarked
As the creature lumbered by,—
While a wondering look stole o 'er his phiz—
(No artist's hand could paint it;)
"Wa-al neow, Maria,—I swan to man
That's quite an insect, aint it?"
A city swell heard the remark,
And quickly turned his nose
Up, with an air that plainly said:
"Such horrid folks as those
May go their way—for they'll pollute
The very atmosphere
With their uncouth ways and ignorance—
We can't endure them here!"
And quickly turned his nose
Up, with an air that plainly said:
"Such horrid folks as those
May go their way—for they'll pollute
The very atmosphere
With their uncouth ways and ignorance—
We can't endure them here!"
The time rolled on,—and the city swell
Was brought to account one day
For the many bills and debts he owed—
He had not a cent to pay.
Was brought to account one day
For the many bills and debts he owed—
He had not a cent to pay.
