The Dinner-bell Rings.

Mrs. Merdle Describes the Sufferings of Dyspepsia and its Remedy.     But come, now, I hear by the sound of the ringing     That dinner is ready; and time none to spare     To finish our eating in time for the singing     At Niblo's; or at Burton's drop in for a stare.     To 'kill time' the object, whatever the source is,     And that is the reason we sit at the table     And call for our dinner in slow-coming courses,     To kill, while we eat, all the time we are able.     Though little, I told you, that's worthy your taste     You'll find on our table, pray don't think us mean--     Your welcome is ample--that's better than waste--     Oh! here comes the soup in a silver tureen--     'Tis mock turtle too--so good for digestion:     That kills me by inches, the wretched complaint     Dyspepsia--to cure which, I take by suggestion     Port-wine in the soup, when I feel slightly faint.