Of all he had: of course you know the rest,

He had been acting very ill, you see.

But they should make acquaintance with the best,

For think what claims they had of pedigree!

(Misfortune always lends a grace to dignity.)[24]

[24]

LXVIII.

They were to see the maid decant the wines,

They were to give the gentlemen their dues,

They were to be distinguées to the nines,

They were, in short, to mind their p's and q's.

Their darling mother never would excuse

A breach of etiquette, however small,

'Twere better far, if e'en they fail'd t' amuse,

To do the honours well or not at all,

No matter when or where, at any festival.

LXIX.

In fact, 'twas this my reader, as you see,

For one high-born like her all must be right;

For she was of the aristocracy

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