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Literary
September 10, 1823
Massachusetts Spy And Worcester Advertiser
Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts
What is this article about?
A satirical poem depicting two neighboring lawyers, Elias and Joe, who each refuse to lend a book or bellows to the other but invite them to use the items in their respective offices as a courteous retort.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
FROM THE PORTLAND GAZETTE.
THE RETORT COURTEOUS.
Two neigb'ring lawyers, clever fellows,
One lack'd a book, and one a bellows.
Their names, perhaps you'd like to know;
Elias, one—the other Joe.
Joe sent a message to Elias,
For Espinasse's Nisi Prius.
This answer, back, Elias sent;
His office books he never lent;
But Joe might call, if that would do,
And in his office read it through.
It chanc'd, Elias, on the morrow,
To Joe, his bellows, sent to borrow.
"My bellows, tell my worthy friend,
Says Joe, is what I never lend;
But he may call, if he's inclin'd to
And blow all day, if he's a mind to."
THE RETORT COURTEOUS.
Two neigb'ring lawyers, clever fellows,
One lack'd a book, and one a bellows.
Their names, perhaps you'd like to know;
Elias, one—the other Joe.
Joe sent a message to Elias,
For Espinasse's Nisi Prius.
This answer, back, Elias sent;
His office books he never lent;
But Joe might call, if that would do,
And in his office read it through.
It chanc'd, Elias, on the morrow,
To Joe, his bellows, sent to borrow.
"My bellows, tell my worthy friend,
Says Joe, is what I never lend;
But he may call, if he's inclin'd to
And blow all day, if he's a mind to."
What sub-type of article is it?
Poem
Satire
What themes does it cover?
Social Manners
What keywords are associated?
Satirical Poem
Lawyers
Borrowing
Retort
Courtesy
Literary Details
Title
The Retort Courteous
Key Lines
But Joe Might Call, If That Would Do,
And In His Office Read It Through.
"My Bellows, Tell My Worthy Friend,
Says Joe, Is What I Never Lend;
But He May Call, If He's Inclin'd To
And Blow All Day, If He's A Mind To."