Chapter_620

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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 Rocinante 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!