Shall these lips a doleful lyric
Proffer at your ghostly bier,
Or compose a panegyric
Moistened with a minstrel's tear?

Me the theme leaves too unshaken,
Though "some" father more or less;
Better 'twere if undertaken
By my wife (a poetess);
And, if I be asked, Why vainly
Occupy, then, so much space?
My concern, I'll say, is mainly
With the woman in the case.

For, when she and you shall sever
(Though 'tis early yet to crow),
Your departure may for ever
Lay her proudest triumph low;
Yes, while men (I'm much afraid) 'll
Round her fingers still be twirled,
If her hand can't rock a cradle
It may cease to boss the world.

* * * * *

=Commercial Candour.=

"Irate Householders, why be swindled in a clumsy manner? Fetch
your second-hand clothing to me and be done in the most approved
style."--_Daily Paper_.