124 TO THE WIDOW ^ ^ ^ ^, 



" Well take that — and that — and that. You see I can knock 

 an honest friend down — though I 'm — (hie.) drun — (hie.) runk. 

 And when you look at your — (hie.) black eye to morrow, in the 

 gla — (hie.) ass, remember there 's nothing personal in it, it refers 

 solely to your public and political capa — (hie.) acity." 



B. 



TO THE WIDOW » » » ♦. 



Hear me now forswear the sins 



That in the last two years I did do ; 



Wide I roved, 



But seldom loved : 

 Alas ! I knew not you, sweet widow. 



When I deemed each suit was won 

 Backwards all my best hopes slid, O ! 



Let me not sue. 



In vain to you, 

 While kneeling at your feet, fair widow. 



I know your last was tall and strong. 

 Your first all other men outdid, O ! 



Make me the fourth, 



And prove me worth. 

 The three together; charming widow. 



Others' eyes have falsehood's tears ; 



But 'neath your smile-enclosing lid, O ! 



What can play 



But Love's bright ray ? 

 Share its light with me, dear widow. 



And never more 'till grim death come 

 This true breast of its life to rid, O ! 

 Shall aught delight. 

 By day or night, 

 But you, my blithe and buxom widow. 



Leon . 



