I'm not sure if the association has any relevance to the poem, but "congress of stinks" brings to mind "congregation of vapours".

Hi Brian,

"Congregation of vapours" isn't a phrase I'm familiar with. Where's it from?

Andy

It's from Hamlet (sorry, that's the second time I forgot to cite).

The monologue was set to music in the musical Hair.

I have of late, -- but wherefore I know not, -- lost all my mirth, forgone all custom of exercises; and indeed it goes so heavily with my disposition that this goodly frame, the earth, seems to me a sterile promontory; this most excellent canopy, the air, look you, this brave o'erhanging firmament, this majestical roof fretted with golden fire, why, it appears no other thing to me but a foul and pestilent congregation of vapours. What a piece of work is a man! How noble in reason! how infinite in faculty! in form, in moving, how express and admirable! in action how like an angel! in apprehension how like a god! And yet, to me, what is this quintessence of dust? man delights not me; no, nor woman neither, though, by your smiling, you seem to say so.

Thanks!

He were right quotable, the bard.