Page 47 - Poetry-Whimsy

Besides, the theory, if true,
Applies with equal force to you;
For, dearest Jones, if you are drowned,
Doubtless another will be found
To comfort your dear wife, and be
A father to your children three!”
“Nay, nay!” cried Jones, “you jest, dear Brown”
But at this point the ship went down:
The arguments of both, you see,
Balanced to such a nicety,
So fine, so subtile, so profound,
That both held on,—and both were drowned!

— Robert Trowbridge (Century Magazine, 1885)

Hobson’s Choice

A thief on his trial refused to be sworn.
“Of what use,” queried he, “will my evidence be?
If I tell the whole truth, I shall get the Old Nick;
If I tell what’s not true, the Old Nick will get me.”

— Francis E. Leupp (Century Magazine, 1885)

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