Says Gossip One to Gossip Two,
" While shopping in the town,
Old Mrs. Pry to me remarked,
Smith bought his goods of Brown. "

Says Gossip Two to Gossip Three,
Who cast her eyelids down:
" I've heard it said to-day, my friend,
Smith got his goods from Brown! "

Says Gossip Three to Gossip Four,
With something of a frown:
" I've heard strange news — what do you think,
Smith took his goods from Brown! "

Says Gossip Four to Gossip Five,
Who passed [boasted?] it round the town:
" I've heard to-day such shocking news —
Smith stole his goods from Brown! "