Here is a little poem I sent a short time since to a committee for a certain celebration. I understood that it was to be a festive and convivial occasion, and ordered myself accordingly. It seems the president of the day was what is called a "teetotaller." I received a note from him in the following words, containing the copy subjoined, with the emendations annexed to it:
"Dear Sir,--Your poem gives good satisfaction to the committee. The sentiments expressed with reference to liquor are not, however, those generally entertained by this community. I have therefore consulted the clergyman of this place, who has made some slight changes, which he thinks will remove all objections, and keep the valuable portions of the poem. Please to inform me of your charge for said poem. Our means are limited, etc., etc., etc.
HERE IT IS,--WITH THE _SLIGHT ALTERATIONS!_
Come! fill a fresh bumper,--for why should we go
logwood While the <nectar> still reddens our cups as they flow?
decoction Pour out the <rich juices> still bright with the sun,
dye-stuff Till o'er the brimmed crystal the <rubies> shall run.
half-ripened apples The <purple-globed-clusters> their life-dews have bled;
taste sugar of lead How sweet is the <breath> of the <fragrance they shed>!
rank poisons _wines!!!_ For summer's <last roses> lie hid in the <wines>
stable-boys smoking long-nines. That were garnered by <maidens who laughed through the vines.>
scowl howl scoff sneer Then a <smile>, and a <glass>, and a <toast>, and a <cheer>,
strychnine and whiskey, and ratsbane and beer! For <all the good-wine, and we've some of it here>
Down, down, with the tyrant that masters us all! <Long live the gay servant that laughs for us all!>
The company said I had been shabbily treated, and advised me to charge the committee double,--which I did. But as I never got my pay, I don't know that it made much difference. I am a very particular person about having all I write printed as I write it, I require to see a proof, a revise, a re-revise, and a double re-revise, or fourth-proof rectified impression of all my productions, especially verse. Manuscripts are such puzzles! Why, I was reading some lines near the end of the last number of this journal, when I came across one beginning