my muse. His name is Baden--poor old man!

"The sire consents to bless the pair,
And names the nuptial day,
When, lo! the bridegroom was not there,
Because he was away."

BARON. But tell me--Had the father his daughter's innocence to deplore?

BUTLER. Ah! my Lord, ah! and you _must_ hear that part in rhyme.
Loss of innocence never sounds well except in verse.

"For ah! the very night before,
No prudent guard upon her,
The Count he gave her oaths a score,
And took in change her honour.

MORAL.
Then you, who now lead single lives,
From this sad tale beware;
And do not act as you were wives,
Before you really are."

Enter COUNT CASSEL.

BARON [to the Butler]. Leave the room instantly.

COUNT. Yes, good Mr. family poet, leave the room, and take your
doggerels with you.