The stars themselves shall pause to listen to thy lays.

LXXXV.

The visitors expected smartly drove

Up to the gate, and Julia showed them in,

Dressed in her best (a sickly-looking mauve);

She also wore a most audacious grin,

Which Mistress too was far from favouring,

And it was clear a “lecture” was in store,

Most of us know what that means; for some sin

Many have I myself received before;

I'm never naughty now; that was in days of yore.[30]

[30]

LXXXVI.

Full twelve or fifteen minutes had expired,

Before the salutation part was done,

And they, poor chaps, were doubtless very tired,

Quite tired enough, before it had begun.

(Just think of all that distance in the sun!)

As usual, everlasting “hows” and “whens,”

And kind inquiries mixed with pretty fun

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