“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. Russel’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!)
“And Mr. S., I hope he’s well;
Ah! though he lives so handy,
He never now drops in to sup,—
(The better for our brandy!)
“Come, take a seat—I long to hear
About Matilda’s marriage;
You’re come of course to spend the day!—
(Thank Heav’n I hear the carriage!)
“What, must you go? next time I hope
You’ll give me longer measure;
Nay—I shall see you down the stairs—
(With most uncommon pleasure!)
“Good-bye! good-bye! remember all,
Next time you’ll take your dinners!
(Now, David, mind, I’m not at home
In future to the Skinners!”)