Page:Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (C.J. Dennis, 1918).djvu/152

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Hark, by the seaside yester eve I had a wondrous vision. The sun was just about to leave With his well-known precision, When I espied upon the sand A tin of a familar brand.

And, as I gazed, my limbs grew limp And giddiness came o'er me; For from it stepped a fish-like imp That smirked and bowed before me; His puckered features seemed to be Awry with spite and devilry.

"Young man," he said, "You're wasting time.   Why do you sit there mooning? So brave a youth, just in his prime,    Should find more joy in spooning. For, see! the ocean hath its pearls; Go forth and mingle with the girls!"

And from the tins that lay about Upon the silver shingle I heard a wee shrill chorus shout, "Young man, go forth and mingle!" And then I knew each empty tin Concealed its special imp within.