Black Beetles in Amber

You say, John Irish, Mr. Taylor hath

A painted beard. Quite likely that is true,

And sure 'tis natural you spend your wrath

On what has been least merciful to you.

By Taylor's chin, if I am not mistaken,

You like a rat have recently been shaken.

To wear a beard of artificial hue

May be or this or that, I know not what;

But, faith, 'tis better to be black-and-blue

In beard from dallying with brush and pot

Than to be so in body from the beating

That hardy rogues get when detected cheating.

You're whacked about the mazzard rather more

Of late than any other man in town.

Certes your vulnerable back is sore

And tender, too, your corrigible crown.

In truth your whole periphery discloses

More vivid colors than a bed of posies!

You call it glory! Put your tongue in sheath!—

Scars got in battle, even if on the breast,

May be a shameful record if, beneath,

A robber heart a lawless strife attest.

John Sullivan had wounds, and Paddy Ryan—

Nay, as to that, even Masten has, and Bryan.

'Tis willingly conceded you've a knack

At holding the attention of the town;

The worse for you when you have on your back

What did not grow there—prithee put it down!

For pride kills thrift, and you lack board and lodging,

Even while the brickbats of renown you're dodging.