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TO J. T. J.
(FOR NOT ATTENDING HIS ARTISTS' RECEPTION.)
(April, 12, 1866.)
I AM lying, Johnston, lying—not like "Gemmen of the Press,"
Although in 'Sheets' I'm lying—that's because I cannot dress.
I have got the Rheumatism very badly in one leg,
Worse than any other ism, and I cannot move a peg,
And I lie and groan in anguish, and can hardly even read,
And my shattered spirits languish, and I'm very
weak indeed.
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