aw the sun.
The Builder and the Architect
Went on a year or so
Building damp villas on damp ground
Conveniently low:
And still some little houses stood
Quite empty in the row.
"I cannot think," the Builder said,
"Why people should complain
Of mortar made of mud from roads,
Or roofs that let in rain,
Or sewer-gas that comes from an
Unventilated drain."
"A fair return," the Builder said,
"Two hundred, say, per cent.,
Is all the profit that I want
On anything I've spent,
Now, if you're ready, Tenants dear,
I'll take the quarter's rent."
"But not from us," the Tenants cried,
"The houses are so new,
They've made us all so very ill
We don't know what to do."
"The County Court," the Builder said,
"Is very near to you."
"I tell you what," the Builder said,
"I fear that I must seize
Your furniture, unless you pay;
So fork out, if you please."
And even he, in that damp air,
Began to cough and sneeze.
"Oh, Tenants," said the Architect,
"Just think what I have done,
Designing such aesthetic homes!"
But answer came there none--
And this was scarcely odd, because
They'd perished every one.
* * * * *
UNDER CONSIDERATION, AUGUST 21.
No appointment could be more appropriate and in accordance with
the fitness of things than to make a GARDNER the new Minister of
Agriculture. Of course it has been suggested that a Rural Dean should
succeed to the vacant Chaplincy.
* * * * *
NOTICE.--Rejected Communications or Contributions, whether MS.,
Printed Matter, Drawings, or Pictures of any description, will in no
case be returned, not even when accompanied by a Stamped and Addressed
Envelope, Cover, or Wrapper. To this rule there will be no exception.
End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Punch, Or The London Charivari, Vol.
103, August 27, 1892, by Various
*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PUNCH ***
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