THE BARDS WE QUOTE

Whene'er I quote I seldom take

From bards whom angel hosts environ;

But usually some damned rake

Like Byron.

Of Whittier I think a lot,

My fancy to him often turns;

But when I quote‘ tis some such sot

As Burns.

I'm very fond of Bryant, too,

He brings to me the woodland smelly;

Why should I quote that “village roo,”

P. Shelley?

I think Felicia Hemans great,

I dote upon Jean Ingelow;

Yet quote from such a reprobate

As Poe.

To quote from drunkard or from rake

Is not a proper thing to do.

I find the habit hard to break,

Do n't you?