While Pat and young Matty are laying the cloth,
And Sally to slumber is getting Mike off.
"They're but small ones to-day," said the dame, "and I fear
But a very poor dinner when drest they'll appear.
I wish that our cupboard could aid your repast,
But Pat of them sausages just ate the last."
"Now the truth is," said Peter, "I numbers had caught,
But I dug in my book till so buried in thought,
That soon rod, float, and line were by me heeded nought.
Though lots came so near