Quintessence

“To produce these spicy paragraphs, which have been unsuccessfully

imitated by every newspaper in the State, requires the combined efforts

of five able-bodied persons associated on the editorial staff of this

journal.”—_New York Herald_.

Sir Muscle speaks, and nations bend the ear:

“Hark ye these Notes—our wit quintuple hear;

Five able-bodied editors combine

Their strength prodigious in each laboured line!”

O wondrous vintner! hopeless seemed the task

To bung these drainings in a single cask;

The riddle’s read—five leathern skins contain

The working juice, and scarcely feel the strain.

Saviours of Rome! will wonders never cease?

A ballad cackled by five tuneful geese!

Upon one Rosinante five stout knights

Ride fiercely into visionary fights!

A cap and bells five sturdy fools adorn,

Five porkers battle for a grain of corn,

Five donkeys squeeze into a narrow stall,

Five tumble-bugs propel a single ball!

The Fiend's Delight · 第 117 / 119 题