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Show ODE TO JOHN KENDRICK BANGS. We've accompanied you, John Kendrick, in your journeylngs of yore To that dignified assembly on the bleak Stygian shore; And no ghouls annoyed us then nor haunting fear of lonely graves In the magic of their laughter as it rippled o'er the waves. But we're fearful, John, your facile pen assumed a devious quirk When you started to regale us with a line of sleuthing work; And our domiciles are sadder since our peace of mind you rent With that imitation stunt of Shylock Holmes upon the scent. And we have a latent horror, John, that tides of gore will run If Conan Doyle's Enigma ever meets your lesser one; And yet if in daring i ambles after crlminalgic fame Shylock Holmes Is foully murdered we're prepared to bear the same Would It not be wise, John Kendrick, to equip another Boat Send this Shylock to the morgue and strike a new and alien note; For if you do not cease to mould such literary bricks We shall surely join that wraithful bunch, the Household of the Styx. ANGUS NICHOLSON. |