HENCE THESE RIMES

Tho’ my verse is exact,

Tho’ it flawlessly flows,

As a matter of fact

I would rather write prose.

While my harp is in tune,

And I sing like the birds,

I would really as soon

Write in straightaway words.

Tho’ my songs are as sweet

As Apollo e'er piped,

And my lines are as neat

As have ever been typed,

I would rather write prose —

I prefer it to rime;

It's less hard to compose,

And it takes me less time.

“Well, if that be the case,”

You are moved to inquire,

“Why appropriate space

For extolling your lyre?”

I can only reply

That this form I elect

‘ Cause it pleases the eye,

And I like the effect.