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The Humourous Poetry of the English Language

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27<br />

Pr<strong>of</strong>usely scattered, lodges in its folds,<br />

And part on <strong>the</strong> magistral table lights,<br />

Part on <strong>the</strong> open book, soon blown away,<br />

Full surely soon shall <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> brow severe<br />

Relax; and from vituperative lips<br />

Words that <strong>of</strong> birch remind not, sounds <strong>of</strong> praise,<br />

And jokes that MUST be laughed at shall proceed.<br />

A FAREWELL TO TOBACCO.<br />

CHARLES LAMB.<br />

May <strong>the</strong> Babylonish curse<br />

Straight confound my stammering verse,<br />

If I can a passage see<br />

In this word-perplexity,<br />

Or a fit expression find,<br />

Or a language to my mind,<br />

(Still <strong>the</strong> phrase is wide or scant)<br />

To take leave <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>e, GREAT PLANT!<br />

Or in any terms relate<br />

Half my love, or half my hate:<br />

For I hate, yet love <strong>the</strong>e, so,<br />

That, whichever thing I show,<br />

<strong>The</strong> plain truth will seem to be<br />

A constrain'd hyperbole,<br />

And <strong>the</strong> passion to proceed<br />

More from a mistress than a weed.<br />

Sooty retainer to <strong>the</strong> vine,<br />

Bacchus' black servant, negro fine;<br />

Sorcerer, that mak'st us dote upon<br />

Thy begrimed complexion,<br />

And, for thy pernicious sake,<br />

More and greater oaths to break<br />

Than reclaimed lovers take<br />

'Gainst women: thou thy siege dost lay<br />

Much too in <strong>the</strong> female way,<br />

While thou suck'st <strong>the</strong> lab'ring breath<br />

Faster than kisses or than death,

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