And squeezable as a rag-bag.

I, CARNOT, squeezable! 'Tis too absurd!
A President, and pliant!
But--in my dream--the raucous voice I heard
Of that grim ursine giant.
"Come to my arms! You'll find them strong and snug.
The North's _so_ true--and tender!"--
And then that monster huge put on the hug!
I thought my soul I'd render.

A bear's embrace, like a prize-fighter's grip,
Is close as passion's clasping.
"Welcome!" he grunted. "_I_'ll not let you slip!"
"Thanks! thanks!" I answered, gasping.
"_J'em--brasse--la--Rus--sie!_" Here my breath quite failed
In that prodigious cuddle.
'Twas but a dream--How was it sleep prevailed
My meaning so to muddle?

"_J'embrasse la Russie!_" It was neatly phrased
As MOHRENHEIM admitted,
A President, in doggerel stanzas praised,
Must be so ready-witted,
Yet mild Republican and Autocrat,
Hugging in friendly seeming,
Suggest that _Someone_ may be cuddled _flat_--
At least in restless dreaming.

[Footnote 2: See Cut so named, p. 279, Vol. 93, Dec. 17, 1887.]