II

My rules are hard to understand

For him whom sensual rules depress;

A bandbox in a midwife's hand

May hold a costlier bridal dress.

III

"I like her not; in fact I loathe;

Bugs hath she brought from London beds."

Friend! wouldst thou rather bear their growth

Or have a baby with two heads?

[Pg 403]

IDYL CCCLXVI

THE KID

My spirit, in the doorway's pause,

Fluttered with fancies in my breast;

Obsequious to all decent laws,

I felt exceedingly distressed.

I knew it rude to enter there

With Mrs. V. in such a state;

And, 'neath a magisterial air,

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