THE SAVING CLAUSE.

Kerr wrote a book, and a good book, too;

At least I managed to read it through

Without finding very much room for blame,

And a good many other folks did the same.

But when any one asked me : “Have you read?”

Or: “How do you like?” I only said:

“Very good, very good! and I'm glad enough;

For his other writings are horrible stuff.”

Banks wrote a play, and it had a run.

( That's a good deal more than ever I've done. )

The interest held with hardly a lag

From the overture to the final tag.

But when any one asked me : “Have you seen?”

Or: “What do you think?” I looked serene

And remarked: “Oh, a pretty good thing of its kind,

But I guess Mr. Shakespeare need n't mind!”

Phelps made a machine;‘ t was smooth as grease.

( I could n't invent its smallest piece

In a thousand years. ) It was tried and tried,

Until everybody was satisfied.

But when any one asked me : “Will it pay?” —

“Is it really good?” — I could only say:

“It's a marvelous thing! Why, it almost thinks!

And Phelps is a wonder — too bad he drinks!”