WHAT I HAVE COME FOR

I HAVE come with my verses — I think I may claim

It is not the first time I have tried on the same.

They were puckered in rhyme, they were wrinkled in wit;

But your hearts were so large that they made them a fit.

I have come — not to tease you with more of my rhyme,

But to feel as I did in the blessed old time;

I want to hear him with the Brobdingnag laugh —

We count him at least as three men and a half.

I have come to meet judges so wise and so grand

That I shake in my shoes while they're shaking my hand;

And the prince among merchants who put back the crown

When they tried to enthrone him the King of the Town.

I have come to see George — Yes, I think there are four,

If they all were like these I could wish there were more.

I have come to see one whom we used to call “Jim,”

I want to see — oh, do n't I want to see him?

I have come to grow young — on my word I declare

I have thought I detected a change in my hair!

One hour with “The Boys” will restore it to brown —

And a wrinkle or two I expect to rub down.

Yes, that's what I've come for, as all of us come;

When I meet the dear Boys I could wish I were dumb.

You asked me, you know, but it's spoiling the fun;

I have told what I came for; my ditty is done.