Classic Poem

Mitteralterliche Roheit

Mediaevalism's crudeness
Has been softened by the fine arts.
And our modern culture's climax
Is, I'm sure, the grand piano.

Railways also are a splendid
Influence on our way of living;
For they lighten half the sorrow
When we part from our relations.

'Tis a pity the consumption
Of my spine makes it seem doubtful
That I shall remain much longer
In a world so swift with progress.