“I really take it very kind,

This visit, Mrs. Skinner!

I have not seen you such an age —

(The wretch has come to dinner!)

“Your daughters, too, what loves of girls —

What heads for painters’ easels!

Come here and kiss the infant, dears —

(And give it p’rhaps the measles!)

“Your charming boys I see are home

From Reverend Mr. Russell’s;

’Twas very kind to bring them both —

(What boots for my new Brussels!)

“What! little Clara left at home?

Well now I call that shabby:

I should have loved to kiss her so —

(A flabby, dabby, babby!)

“............