Randolph the rash in cruel phrase defames
The "mediocrities with double names;"
But nowadays we find whole-hearted pleaders
Urging the claims of hyphenated leaders.
For what were Pemberton without the thrilling
Corollary and supplement of Billing?
While Billing by itself, pronounced _tout court_
And shorn of Pemberton, sounds bald and poor.
Without emotion you and I may any day
Light on a Jones unwedded to a Kennedy;
Likewise a Kennedy unlinked with Jones
Will fail to stir the marrow in our bones.
Mark you, moreover, how the order tends
To foster and promote euphonic ends;
For Billing Pemberton sounds flat and dull,
And Jones prefixed to Kennedy is null.
But Pemberton by Billing followed up,
And Kennedy with Jones to fill the cup,
Electrify the nation's tympanum
And strike the voice of sober Season dumb.
* * * * *