Classic Poem

All stark and cold the merchant lay,
All cold and stark lay he.
And who hath killed this fair mer chant?
Now tell the truth to me.

Oh, I have killed this fair mer chant
Will never again draw breath;
Oh, I have made this fair mer chant
To come unto his death.

Oh, why hast thou killed this fair mer chant
Whose corse I now behold?
And why hast caused this man to lie
In death all stark and cold?

Oh, I have killed this fair mer chant
Whose kith and kin make moan,
For that he hath stolen my precious time
When he useth the telephone.

The telephone bell rang full and clear;
The receiver did I seize.
" Hello! " quoth I, and quoth a girl,
" Hello! ... One moment, please. "

I waited moments ane and twa,
And moments three and four,
And then I sought that fair mer chant
And spilled his selfish gore.

That business man who scorneth to waste
His moments sae rich and fine
In calling a man to the telephone
Shall never again waste mine!

And every time a henchwom an
Shall cause me a moment's loss,
I'll forthwith fare to that of fice
And stab to death her boss.

Rise up! Rise up! thou blessed knight!
And off thy bended knees!
Go forth and slay all folk who make
Us wait " One moment, please. "