Black Beetles in Amber

O Abner Doble—whose "catarrhal name"

Budd of that ilk might envy—'tis a rough

Rude thing to say, but it is plain enough

Your name is to be sneezed at: its acclaim

Will "fill the speaking trump of future fame"

With an impeded utterance—a puff

Suggesting that a pinch or two of snuff

Would clear the tube and somewhat disinflame.

Nay, Abner Doble, you'll not get from me

My voice and influence: I'll cheer instead,

Some other man; for when my voice ascends a

Tall pinnacle of praise, and at high C

Sustains a chosen name, it shan't be said

My influence is naught but influenza.