The Penalty Of Genius

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"When little 'Pollus Morton he's
  A-go' to speak a piece, w'y, nen
  The Teacher smiles an' says 'at she's
  Most proud, of all her little men
  An' women in her school--'cause 'Poll
  He allus speaks the best of all.

  An' nen she'll pat him on the cheek,
  An' hold her finger up at you
  _Before_ he speak'; an' _when_ he speak'
  It's ist some piece _she_ learn' him to!
  'Cause he's her favorite.... An' she
  Ain't pop'lar as she _ust_ to be!

  When 'Pollus Morton speaks, w'y, nen
  Ist all the other childern knows
  They're smart as him an' smart-again!--
  Ef they _can't_ speak an' got fine clo'es,
  Their Parunts loves 'em more 'n 'Poll-
  Us Morton, Teacher, speech, an' all!

© James Whitcomb Riley