Page:The Glugs of Gosh (C. J. Dennis, 1917).djvu/78

The stealthy cats that grace the mats
Before the doors of Gosh,
Smile wide with scorn each sunny morn;
And, as they take their wash,
A sly grimace o'erspreads each face
As the Swank struts forth to court.
But every Glug casts down his eyes.
And mutters, "Ain't 'is 'at a size!
For such a sight our gods we thank.
Sir Stodge, the Swank! The noble Swank:"
But the West wind tweaks his nose in sport,
And the Swank struts into court.

Then roared the King with a rage intense,
"Oh, who can cope with their magic tricks?"
But the Lord High Swank skipped nimbly hence,
And hid him safe behind the fence
Of Regulation VI.
And under Section Four Eight O
The Swanks, the Swanks, dim forms of Swanks,
The swarms of Swanks lay low—
These most tenacious, perspicacious.
Spacious Swanks lay low.

Cried the King of Gosh, "They shall not escape!
Am I set at naught by a crazed buffoon?"