Take of these elements all that is fusible, Melt 'em all down in a pipkin or crucible, Set 'em to simmer and take off the scum, And an Alton conductor is the re-si-du-um.
If you want a receipt for this railroad like Paragon, Get at the wealth of Jim Fair (if you can); The family pride of a Blue Blood from Lexington, Force of Mephisto pronouncing a ban, A smack of young Lorillard, reckless and rollicky, Swagger of Kearney leading his gang, The keen penetration of Paddington Pollaky; Grace of an odalisque on a divan; The essence delightful of utter civility, Graceful and pleasant lacking servility; Flavor of Hamlet; Charles Surface, a touch of him; Little of Romeo, but not very much of him,-- Beautiful dressed, all buttons and lace, Air of a nobleman, exquisite face.
[Illustration: YOU ARE RIGHT PATIENCE, I AM A CHICAGO AND ALTON RAILROAD CONDUCTOR, AND THEY ARE ALL VERY BEAUTIFUL.]
"Marry me fair maiden, from my heart t'will take a load."]
[Illustration: "REALLY LADIES, YOU MUST EXCUSE ME. I NEVER CAN BE YOURS."]
Take of these elements all that is fusible Melt 'em all down in a pipkin or crucible, Set 'em to simmer and take off the scum, And an Alton conductor is the residuum.
PATIENCE--Such a person as he describes must be truly interesting. But who comes here? One of them, I declare. I must depart. Oh! I must depart.
Pretty, pretty maiden, look upon this breast; Hey, but I'm doleful, willow, willow waly! I belong to the best line that's running in the West; Hey, willow waly, oh! Competition, we defy it; Let those who doubt me, try it; Hey, willow waly, oh!
Judging by your words, sir, it's the Alton Road you mean; Hey, but he's doleful, willow, willow waly! I'm well aware of the fact, strange as it may seem; Hey, willow waly, oh! You've much to recommend you, If the Alton Road befriend you; Hey, willow, waly, oh!
GROSVENOR--Oh, Patience, you will break my heart. Don't you know me?
PATIENCE--No, although I have seen people dressed like you before, I do not think that would entitle me to say I knew you.
GROSVENOR--Don't you remember your little playfellow, Archibald? He who used to take you to excursions by the Chicago & Alton to St. Louis?
PATIENCE--Can it be--why, yes, it must be Archibald. I am glad to see you. The remembrance of those visits to St. Louis is still fresh in my memory. So fresh that it is not at all necessary for me to go there again to renew them. But you are changed.