Why Not Do It, Sir, Today?

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"Why so I will, you noisy bird,
 This very day I'll advertise you,
 Perhaps some busy ones may prize you.
 A fine-tongued parrot as was ever heard,
I'll word it thus-set forth all charms about you,
And say no family should be without you."


 Thus far a gentleman addressed a bird,
Then to his friend: "An old procrastinator,
Sir, I am: do you wonder that I hate her?
 Though she but seven words can say,
 Twenty and twenty times a day
 She interferes with all my dreams,
 My projects, plans, and airy schemes,
 Mocking my foible to my sorrow:
 I'll advertise this bird to-morrow."


 To this the bird seven words did say:
 "Why not do it, sir, to-day?"

© Charles Lamb