# E. W. Houser explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ring Lardner.

## What happens

A brief, playful toast is directed at E. W. Houser, President of Barnes-Crosby Co. in Chicago, inviting him to stand and bow before offering a health in fresh water.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The speaker who calls upon E. W. Houser to stand and bow, offering a toast.

## Key lines

> It’s your turn, E. W. ⁠—Now, sir, I’ll ask you to stand up and bow, sir. You tell me you are Some fresh, water tar, So⁠—Your health in fresh water: Here’s Houser.

The narrator calls on E. W. Houser to stand and acknowledge the group, then proposes a toast to his health with fresh water.

_A ceremonial or humorous moment of recognition and toast._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/e-w-houser
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters