Quintessence
Reading edition
“To produce these spicy paragraphs, which have been unsuccessfully imitated by every newspaper in the State, requires the combined efforts of five able-bodied persons associated on the editorial staff of this journal.”—New York Herald.
Sir Muscle speaks, and nations bend the ear: “Hark ye these Notes—our wit quintuple hear; Five able-bodied editors combine Their strength prodigious in each laboured line!” O wondrous vintner! hopeless seemed the task To bung these drainings in a single cask; The riddle’s read—five leathern skins contain The working juice, and scarcely feel the strain. Saviours of Rome! will wonders never cease? A ballad cackled by five tuneful geese! Upon one Rosinante five stout knights Ride fiercely into visionary fights! A cap and bells five sturdy fools adorn, Five porkers battle for a grain of corn, Five donkeys squeeze into a narrow stall, Five tumble-bugs propel a single ball!