The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations Preface

The Llama is a woolly sort of fleecy hairy goat,
With an indolent expression and an undulating throat
Like an unsuccessful literary man.
‘More Beasts for Worse Children’ (1897) ‘The Llama’
The Microbe is so very small
You cannot make him out at all.
But many sanguine people hope
To see him through a microscope.
‘More Beasts for Worse Children’ (1897)’The Microbe’
Lord Finchley tried to mend the Electric Light
Himself. It struck him dead: And serve him right!
It is the business of the wealthy man
To give employment to the artisan.
‘More Peers’ (1911) ‘Lord Finchley’
Like many of the Upper Class
He liked the Sound of Broken Glass.
‘New Cautionary Tales’ (1930) ‘About John’.
And even now, at twenty-five,
He has to work to keep alive!
Yes! All day long from 10 till 4!
For half the year or even more;
With but an hour or two to spend
At luncheon with a city friend.
‘New Cautionary Tales’ (1930) ‘Peter Goole’
A smell of burning fills the startled Air—
The Electrician is no longer there!
‘Newdigate Poem’ (1910)
The accursed power which stands on Privilege
(And goes with Women, and Champagne, and Bridge)
Broke—and Democracy resumed her reign:
(Which goes with Bridge, and Women and Champagne).
‘On a Great Election’ (1923)
I am a sundial, and I make a botch
Of what is done much better by a watch.
‘On a Sundial’ (1938)
When I am dead, I hope it may be said:
‘His sins were scarlet, but his books were read.’
‘On His Books’ (1923)
Pale Ebenezer thought it wrong to fight,
But Roaring Bill (who killed him) thought it right.