University of Virginia Library

Quintessence.

“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.

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Page 196
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!