Whene'er I quote I seldom take
From bards whom angel hosts environ;
But usually some damned rake
Like Byron.
Of Whittier I think a lot,
My fancy to him often turns;
But when I quote‘ tis some such sot
As Burns.
I'm very fond of Bryant, too,
He brings to me the woodland smelly;
Why should I quote that “village roo,”
P. Shelley?
I think Felicia Hemans great,
I dote upon Jean Ingelow;
Yet quote from such a reprobate
As Poe.
To quote from drunkard or from rake
Is not a proper thing to do.
I find the habit hard to break,
Do n't you?