Rejected

When Dr. Charles O’Donnell died
They sank a box with him inside.

The plate with his initials three
Was simply graven—“C.O.D.”

That night two demons of the Pit
Adown the coal-hole shunted it.

Ten million million leagues it fell,
Alighting at the gate of Hell.

Nick looked upon it with surprise,
A night-storm darkening his eyes.

“They’ve sent this rubbish, C.O.D.—
I’ll never pay a cent!” said he.