Impromptu, July, 1870.

"The sow came in with the saddle;

The little pig rocked the cradle;

The dish jumped up on the table

To see the pot swallow the ladle;

The spit that stood behind the door

Threw the pudding-stick on the floor.

"Odsplut!" said the gridiron,

Can't you agree?

I'm the head constable,

Bring 'em to me.'"

Spain came in with an empty throne;

The little prince rocked his German cradle

"No, no," he said;

And he shook his head;

"I am well content to be let alone."

All the dishes on pantry-ledge

And shelf, and table, were up on edge,

To see how the Pot,

Simmering hot,

Would foam at the dip of the threatening

ladle.

Nothing befell for a minute or so,

(Nobody chose to be first, you know),

Till the royal spit, with an angry frown,

Threw a little pudding-stick down.

"Odsplut!" shouts Emperor Gridiron,

Hissing for a broil,

"Those folks that stand behind the door

Are getting up a coil!

I 've red Fire panting at my feet;

I thought how things would be!

I?m creation's constable,

Bring the world to me!"