The rest made similar excuse in turn;
Colic, neuralgia, headache, and heartburn,
And influenza.
With each reply the Doctor's wrath rose higher,
And to the youngest bellowed he in ire,
"What ails you, then, sir?"
The questioned youth a fraction of a minute
Glanced at the Doctor's face, and something in it
His hesitation warns.
Confused he sought the first pretext in mind,
Then gravely, hypocritically whined,
"Please, sir, I smoke for corns."