Poem: A Book-Ghoul by O'Fipp

To me, in fullness of conceit,
The showman bragged of many a feat
At auction, and with those who fell
On evil days, and had to sell
Their books; and next, in rasping tones,
He told how buried Smith and Jones
Left choicest volumes, treasured long,
Which he picked up for -- well, a song,
And made high profit on each book;
And then, with gain-foreseeing look,
He spoke the ominous reflection --
"You, too, must have a fine collection."

First published in The Bulletin, 30 June 1904