And explain how it was, though it cause slight delay;
Still in hopes for your patience my tale may repay.
At the back of the wood was a tumble-down dwelling,
But when 'twas erected is now long past telling;
Its roof might with straw, perchance, once have been thatched,
Though now from the rafters 'twas near all detached.
But heather and mud were in place substituted,
Which seemed with the rest of the mansion well suited.
For the windows, with rags stopped to keep out the rain,
Though admitting rheumatics, yet owned not a pane;