Rejected
by
When Dr. Charles O’Donnell died
They sank a box with him inside.
The plate with his initials three
Was simply graven–“C.O.D.”
That night two demons of the Pit
Adown the coal-hole shunted it.
Ten million million leagues it fell,
Alighting at the gate of Hell.
Nick looked upon it with surprise,
A night-storm darkening his eyes.
“They’ve sent this rubbish, C.O.D.–
I’ll never pay a cent!” said he.