Page:The Green Bag (1889–1914), Volume 04.pdf/226

 The Cup-and-Saucerer. And they combined to prosecute The naughty man by public suit Under this beneficial act; And having proved the damning fact, The court promoted the benign Enactment by a wholesome fine. Hut Gillson hired him lawyers four, Who knocked at the appellate door, And there with wit and wisdom blended, Before those awful gowns contended This hygienic revolution Was not within the constitution; That any man might lawfully Sell with his coffee or his tea The chinaware appropriate, And not exceed the usual rate Which others charged for them alone. "By various instances 't is shown The world was ever ruled by 'boot;' Whether upon the martial foot Or in pursuit of peaceful trade, A certain pathway it has made. Noah, who was in cattle rich, But wanted gopher-wood and pitch To build his ark, and store of food, That he might get a discount good Called in his wandering herds and flocks, Which were his affluent money-box; To him unlocked their ready doors Menagerie proprietors And feed-men, who too quickly found The meaning of that adage sound, ' Riches have wings,' and formed the wish That all those cattle had been fish. So patriarchal Jacob wary, When from the hunter Esau hairy He bought the primogeniture, To make the bargain safe and sure. He added craftily some bread Unto the mess of pottage red.

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