Don’t smile in the street
or someone you meet
of the opposite sex
(or even the same)
may think you mean them.
England Suspects.
If seized with a laugh
conceal it in cough.
Of course we have humour,
but laughing aloud
is odd in a crowd
and gives rise to rumour.
Don’t talk in a train
unless to complain.
Veil up your soul:
don’t weep at the play
or someone may say
“He’s no self-control.”
This respectable curse
is laid on us: worse
than women or drink
is laughter, is sobbing.
Who killed Cock Robin?
Cromwell, I think.
Victoria busily
stamped the grave Wesley
and others had filled;
but Cromwell (and Charles
the foolish and false)
they it was killed.