Tarboro' Press (Tarborough,

POETRY.
From the Washington Democrat.
MACHINE POETRY.
"Pompey, is that machine in good order to-day?
"I tink him is, massa, and will grind in a fuss.
"Very well: give it a few turns, and we shall soon see the grist."
"Yes, massa."

DID YOU EVER KNOW?
To any known or unknown tune.
Did you ever know an oysterman that liked to wear a wig
Did you ever know an Irishman that didn't keep a pig
Did you ever know an alderman that didn't love his belly,
And like to line it lustily with beef & Guava jelly?
No, no! you never heard such stuff--I say it plain and flat--
But if you have, say not a word, and only "take my hat!"

Did you ever know a doctor wise, that caused a patient's death--
Did you ever know a parson preach himself quite out of breath--
Did you ever know a lawyer plead, with all his legal might,
His client's cause as being wrong--his adversary's right?
No, no! you never, &c.

Did you ever know a patent drug not warranted to cure
Did you ever know of Port wine sold for anything but pure--
Did you ever know a merchant say, without some fear or favor.
His goods were not so good as those just offered by his neighbor?
No, no! you never, &c.

Did you ever know a man of rhyme, but thought himself a poet--
Did you ever know a man run mad, that could be made to know it--
Did you ever know an officer, on regimental day,
But what he could, with his good sword, a valiant foeman slay?
No, no! you never. &c.

Did you ever know a candidate that never told a lie--
Did you ever know a child, when whipped, that couldn't raise a cry--
Did you ever know an arrant rogue believe himself a sinner,
And visit the confessional instead of eating dinner?
No, no! you never, &c.

Did you ever know a bachelor that thought himself too old--
Did you ever know a termagant that thought herself a scold--
Did you ever know of married folks, in Hymen's silken fetter,
But thought, if they could try again, they surely could do better?
No, no! you never, &c.

Did you ever know a girl of sense that liked to follow fashion
Did you ever know an antique maid that never felt a passion--
Did you ever know a pretty girl, that quite performed her duty,
But thought herself, above all girls, a paragon of beauty?
No, no! you never, &c.

Did you ever know a boy half grown, but thought himself a man
Did you ever know a blooming face to hide behind a fan--
Did you ever know a girl in love, when questioned apropos,
Could sigh and shut her eyes and say, "You ugly fellow, No"?
No, no! you never, &c.

"Dat, I tink is fuss rate--I turr. de machine agin for you by'mby.
No, no! you never heard such stuff--I say it plain and flat
"But if you have, say not a word, and take dis nigger's hat!"
"Ya! Ya!! Ya!!! Get out de way-- Whew!"