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Mrs. Merdle Discourseth Of Things Eatable.

Now Colonel, to husband you need not be winking,

While wiping the soup with a smile from your lips;

I know just as well as he does how you're thinking

The soup is as tasteless as though made of chips.

You need not deny it, and swear that no better

Concocted was ever in London or Paris;

Remember the praises you gave in your letter

Of cooking and eating you wrote to Miss Harris.

Now, Colonel, don't offer a word more to flatter--

The soup may be so-so, but wait for the meat;

And after you've seen the last dish, plate, or platter,

You'll own then, I'm certain, we've nothing to eat--

That is compared, as described to Miss Harris,

With all the best tables you eat at in Paris.