The Eighth Sin/The Editor Regrets

by Christopher Morley

THE EDITOR REGRETS.

"The Editor regrets that he is reluctantly compelled to return the enclosed MS."—The Editor of The English Review.

"The Editor regrets that he
Cannot accept your poetry"—
 This does not mean (observe his tact!)
 A lack of merit, for in fact
He sends it back "reluctantly."

Many a hopeful jeu d'esprit
I post (enclosing stamps) with glee.
  What happens? Well, to be exact,
    "The Editor regrets."

O journals of democracy,
Spectator, Punch, or P. M. G.
 I think your Editors are cracked,
 I think they all have cataract—
Hullo! A letter here for me?
O Lord! The same hypocrisy—
    "The Editor regrets."