English poem
DIAGNOSIS.
by Ambrose Bierce (1842–1914)
Cried Allen Forman: "Doctor, pray Compose my spirits' strife: O what may be my chances, say, Of living all my life?
"For lately I have dreamed of high And hempen dissolution! O doctor, doctor, how can I Amend my constitution?"
The learned leech replied: "You're young And beautiful and strong— Permit me to inspect your tongue: H'm, ah, ahem!—'tis long."