Thomas Hood

A bad reader soon puts to flight both wise men and fools.

A bad reader soon puts to flight both wise men and fools.

Seem'd washing his hand with invisible soap
In imperceptible water.

Seem'd washing his hand with invisible soap
In imperceptible water.

A leech that will not quit the skin until sated with blood.

A leech that will not quit the skin until sated with blood.

Poor Peggy hawks nosegays from street to street
Till--think of that who find life so sweet!--
She read more

Poor Peggy hawks nosegays from street to street
Till--think of that who find life so sweet!--
She hates the smell of roses!

Oh, God! that bread should be so dear,
And flesh and blood so cheap!

Oh, God! that bread should be so dear,
And flesh and blood so cheap!