Visions of Venice--her stones and her smells!
Whiffs of Cologne--aromatic mementos;
Visiting cards, so to speak, of hotels;
Como's, Granada's, Zermatt's and Sorrento's
Ah! how ye cling to my boxes and bags,
Glued with a pigment that baffles removal;
Dogged adherents in dirt and in rags;
Labels, receive my profane disapproval!

Much as I prized you, when roaming afield,
Loved you, when Life was metheglyn and skittles,
Wished you the spell of remembrance to wield,
Calling the scenery back and the victuals;
Still, when it blows and it rains, and it irks,
Here in apartments adjoining a seaview,
After a meal that would terrify Turks,
Somehow I feel I can scarcely believe you.

Yes! It's too much to remember the past--
Here, amid shrimps, and agilities nameless;
Glaciers gigantic, and Restaurants vast
Chime not with sands and a tablecloth shameless;
Smoking a pestilent, sea-side cigar,
Mewed in a lodging with children and nurses,
Epitaphs gorgeous of far "_Dolce far_,"
Curse you with paterfamiliar curses!

* * * * *

THE UGLY FACE: A MORAL DUTY