Multum In Parvo

“Great thoughts are oft expressed in fewest words,” And I remember how long years ago, When a great lady in her diary Of a short visit to the Scottish land, Recorded of a sorrowful event, “To-day poor little Vicky, by mischance, Sat on a wasps’ nest.” All the newspapers Declared it was a perfect masterpiece Of excellent conciseness. Yet I think It was outdone by a Red Indian— One of the Quoddy tribe—who did the same; Since he, like “little Vicky,” also sat Upon a seat as hot; and when he rose, Briefly exclaimed in his vernacular:— “H’lam-kikqu’!” and being asked what this Might mean, responded in the English tongue: “Heap hell!” O reader! if the soul of wit Be brevity, this Indian was there.