Pat's Criticism

There's a story that's old,But good if twice told,Of a doctor of limited skill,Who cured beast and manOn the " cold-water plan,"Without the small help of a pill.

On his portal of pineHung an elegant sign,Depicting a beautiful rill,

And a lake where a sprite,With apparent delight,Was sporting in sweet dishabille.

Pat McCarty one day,As he sauntered that way,Stood and gazed at that portal of pine;When the doctor with prideStepped up to his side,Saying, "Pat, how is that for a sign ? "

"There's wan thing," says Pat,"Ye've lift out o' that,Which, be jabers! is quoite a mistake:It's trim, and it's nate;But, to make it complate,Ye shud have a foine burd on the lake."

"All! indeed! pray, then, tell,To make it look well,What bird do you think it may lack?"Says Pat, "Of the sameI've forgotten the name,But the song that he sings is 'Quack - quack!'"