Yawcob Strauss and Other Poems/Pat's Criticism


 * There's a story that's old,
 * But good if twice told,
 * Of a doctor of limited skill,
 * Who cured beast and man
 * On the " cold-water plan,"
 * Without the small help of a pill.


 * On his portal of pine
 * Hung an elegant sign,
 * Depicting a beautiful rill,




 * And a lake where a sprite,
 * With apparent delight,
 * Was sporting in sweet dishabille.


 * Pat McCarty one day,
 * As he sauntered that way,
 * Stood and gazed at that portal of pine;
 * When the doctor with pride
 * Stepped up to his side,
 * Saying, "Pat, how is that for a sign ? "


 * "There's wan thing," says Pat,
 * "Ye've lift out o' that,
 * Which, be jabers! is quoite a mistake:
 * It's trim, and it's nate;
 * But, to make it complate,
 * Ye shud have a foine burd on the lake."


 * "All! indeed! pray, then, tell,
 * To make it look well,
 * What bird do you think it may lack?"
 * Says Pat, "Of the same
 * I've forgotten the name,
 * But the song that he sings is 'Quack - quack!'"