How the Peaceful Aladdin Gave Way to His Madness

His name was Aladdin.The clothes he was clad inProclaimed him an Arab at sight,And he had for a chumAn uncommonly rumOld afreet, six cubits in height.This person infernal,Who seemed so fraternal,At bottom was frankly a scamp:His future to sadden,He gave to AladdinA wonderful magical lamp.

A marvel he dubbed it.He said if one rubbed itOne’s wishes were done on the spot.Now what would you doWere it offered to you?Refuse it undoubtedly (not)!It’s thus comprehensiveWith pleasure extensiveAladdin accepted the gift,And, by it befriended,Erected a splendidChâteau, with a bath and a lift!

Not dreaming of malice,One year in his palaceHe led a luxurious life,Till his genius dreadPut it into his headThat he needed a beautiful wife.Responding to friction,The lamp this afflictionAt once for Aladdin secured;The latter, delighted,Imagined he sightedA future of quiet assured.

When gladly he chose her,He didn’t suppose herA philatelist, always agapeFor novelties, yetShe had all of the set.Of triangular stamps of the Cape.Some people maliciousProclaimed her MauritiusOne-penny vermilion a sell.But that was all rot. ItWas true she had got it,And the tuppenny blue one as well!

Since thus she collected,As might be expected,She didn’t for bric-a-brac care,So she traded the lampFor an Ecuador stampThat somebody told her was rare!This act served to maddenThe mind of Aladdin,But, ’spite of his impotent wrath,His manor-house vanished,To nothingness banished,And while he was taking a bath!

The average ArabIs hard as a scarabWhen some one has wounded his pride,So he jumped up and down,With a cynical frown,On the face of his beautiful bride!He had picked up a cargoOf curious argotWhile living in Paris the gay;In the slang of that cityHe cried without pity:“Comme ça tu me fich’ras la paix!”

The Moral: When stamps you’re adept onOf risks you are reckless, and yetBeware! If your face is once stepped on,That’s the last stamp you’re likely to get!