Tempora Mutantur

LETTERS, letters, letters, letters!Some that please and some that bore,Some that threaten prison fetters(Metaphorically, fettersSuch as bind insolvent debtors)—Invitations by the score.

One from COGSON, WILES, and RAILER,My attorneys, off the Strand;One from COPPERBLOCK, my tailor—My unreasonable tailor—One in FLAGG’S disgusting hand.

One from EPHRAIM and MOSES,Wanting coin without a doubt,I should like to pull their noses—Their uncompromising noses;One from ALICE with the roses—Ah, I know what that’s about!

Time was when I waited, waitedFor the missives that she wrote,Humble postmen execrated—Loudly, deeply execrated—When I heard I wasn’t fatedTo be gladdened with a note!

Time was when I’d not have barteredOf her little pen a dipFor a peerage duly gartered—For a peerage starred and gartered—With a palace-office chartered,Or a Secretaryship.

But the time for that is over,And I wish we’d never met.I’m afraid I’ve proved a rover—I’m afraid a heartless rover—Quarters in a place like DoverTend to make a man forget.

Bills for carriages and horses,Bills for wine and light cigar,Matters that concern the Forces—News that may affect the Forces—News affecting my resources,Much more interesting are!

And the tiny little paper,With the words that seem to runFrom her little fingers taper(They are very small and taper),By the tailor and the draperAre in interest outdone.

And unopened it’s remaining!I can read her gentle hope—Her entreaties, uncomplaining(She was always uncomplaining),Her devotion never waning—Through the little envelope!