“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! )
“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 Heaven, 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!” )