WOULD HAVE BEEN VERY MUCH LOUDER."]

* * * * *

MARGARINE.

A HOUSEKEEPER'S PALINODE.

MARGARINE--the prefix "oleo-"
Latterly has been effaced,
Though no doubt in many a folio
Of the grocer's ledger traced--

Once I arrogantly rated
You below the cheapest lard;
Once your "g" enunciated,
With pedantic rigour, hard.

How your elements were blended
Naught I knew; but wild surmise
Hinted horrors that offended
Squeamish and fastidious eyes.

Now this view, unjust, unfounded,
I recant with deep remorse,
Knowing you are not compounded
From the carcase of the horse.

Still with glances far from genial
I beheld you, margarine,