Classic Poem

Don Henriquez, styled “The Handsome,”
Lives in the same house beside me;
Our apartments are adjoining,
From him flimsy walls divide me.

As he strides along the pavement,
Spurs a-clanking, moustache twirling,
With a pack of dogs about him,
Many a lady's brain is whirling.

But he sits at home and lonely,
Often through the silent gloaming;
In his hands his mandolina,
Through his soul sweet fancies roaming.

He begins extemporising,
Eager chords the strings are thrilling;
Ugh! no caterwauling plagues me
Like his growling, quavering, trilling.