The Poetry Corner

Mrs. Merdle Discourseth Of Wishes And Her Sufferings.

By Horatio Alger, Jr.

'If wishes were horses'--I've heard when a girl-- 'If wishes were horses, the beggars would ride'-- If wishes were pheasants, I'd wish with a skirl Till cooked ones came flying and sat by my side. A fig, then, for doctors, their tinctures and drugs; Good eating would cure me, with plenty of game; And as for pill boxes, and bottles, and jugs, I wouldn't know one, when I saw it, by name. Oh, dear! such a load now my stomach oppresses, While eating these trifles, attempting to dine-- I'm sure 'taint the turkey--it must be my dresses-- And if so 't will ease them to sip sherry wine. 'Tis sad, though, to be such a sad invalid-- Dear me, Colonel Dinewell, you've done eating meat-- Your doctor, like mine, I hope hasn't forbid, That you shouldn't have, as I do, so little to eat. Ah! well then, I see, though I've hardly begun, The meats and the solids must go right away; So bring in the pudding, if Susan's got one, Which will for a while one's appetite stay.