With three faces on the cover I believe I've seen before.

    Well, here's matter for reflection, makes me wonder where I am.

    Here is Ibsen the gray lion, linked to Beardsley the black lamb.

    I was never out of Boston: all that I can say is, "Damn!"

    Who could think, in two short summers we should cause so much remark,

    With no purpose but our pastime, and to make the public hark,

    When I soloed on

     The Chap-Book

    , and you answered with

     The Lark

    !

    Do young people take much pleasure when they read that sort of thing?

    "Well, they buy it," answered Doxey, "and I take what it will bring.

    Publishers may dread extinction—not with such fads on the string.

    "There is always sale for something, and demand for what is new.

    These young men who are so restless, and have nothing else to do,

    Like to think there is 'a movement,' just to keep themselves in view.

    "There is nothing in Decadence but the magic of a name.

    People talk and papers drivel, scent a vice, and hint a shame;

    And all that is good for business, helps to boom my little game."

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