On smiling wealth, intemp'rance war began, Away young health and mother genius flew; And when from [health] the child and parent ran, In stepped Dyspepsia belching, how do ye do? 'Twas then the din of desperation rose, Pleasure and pain at once their daggers drew; Pain with his rod struck pleasure on the nose -- In stepped lean Palsy trembling, how do ye do? Young health came back to take a peep, But stay'd not long the ghastly sight to view; And on her flight could not forbear to weep -- In stepped the Cholic frowning, how do ye do? She heard the crash of gambling rend the floor, And in the house saw poverty's dull crew; When down the foot of Bolus kicked the door -- In stepped the King of Terrors, how do ye do? | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE MAIN DRAG by BERTON BRALEY FRAGMENT (FROM THE ELIZABETHANS) by W. BRIDGES-ADAMS VERSAILLES (1784) by STOPFORD AUGUSTUS BROOKE BITTER CHOICE by ELLEN MAGRATH CARROLL SONS OF PROMISE by THOMAS CURTIS CLARK SONNETS ON EMINENT CHARACTERS: 12. TO LORD STANHOPE by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE |