STRONG COFFEE.
by Charles Mackay.
“Hush! Joanna!
I’ll forgive you!
But it’s certain that the coffee wasn’t strong!
Own your error! Why so stubborn in the wrong?”[[1]]
“You’ll forgive me? Sir, I hate you!
You have used me like a churl.
Have my senses ceased to guide me?
Do you think I am a girl?”
“Oh no! You’re a girl no longer
But a woman, formed to please.
And it’s time you should abandon
Childish follies, such as these.”
“Oh I hate you! but why vex me?
If I’m old--you’re older still.
I’ll no longer be your victim
And the creature of your will.”[[2]]
“But, Joanna; why this bother?
It might happen I was wrong.
But if common sense inspire me,
Still that coffee wasn’t strong.”
“Common sense? You never had it!
Oh, that ever I was born
To be wedded to a monster
That repays my love with scorn.”
“Well, Joanna, we’ll not quarrel;
What’s the use of bitter strife?
But I’m sorry I am married.
I was mad--to take a wife.”
“Mad, indeed! I’m glad you know it.
But if law can break this chain
I’ll be tied to you no longer--
In this misery and pain.”
“Hush, Joanna! Shall the servants
Hear you argue, ever wrong?
Can you not have done with folly?
Own the coffee was not strong.”[[3]]
“Oh you goad me past endurance!
Trifling with my woman’s heart.
But I loath you and detest you!
Villain! monster! let us part!”
* * * *
Long this foolish quarrel lasted
Till Joanna, half afraid,
That her empire was in peril,
Summoned never failing aid.
Summoned tears in copious torrents,
Tears and sobs, and piteous sighs;
Well she knew the potent practice--
The artillery of the eyes.[[4]]
And it chanced as she imagined--
Beautiful in grief was she.
Beautiful to best advantage;--
And a tender heart had he.
Kneeling at her side he soothed her:
“Dear Joanna! I was wrong.
Never more I’ll contradict you--
But, oh, make my coffee strong!”[[5]]
TABLEAUX.
[1]. Scene. Breakfast-room; man and woman at opposite ends of table, side face to audience--she busy cutting her meat and looking down at her plate; he looking at her, cup poised in right hand, on the way toward his mouth.
[2]. Lady has risen, and angrily faces her husband.
[3]. Man has risen; stands in front of table, looking toward his wife.
[4]. Joanna, again sitting, weeps.
[5]. Husband kneeling in front of her.