DREAM POEM

"His manner was most pleasing

And his appearance thoroughly

Commendable," they said.

"Thanks be to the gods!"

No such flattering comment, however,

Was accorded to the other contestant

Who, in the judges' view, had

"Traces of that coarseness

Not acceptable in these competitions,"

Or, as one wit later put it,

"The mire of the world

Hanging from around his neck."