Let me see if I cannot some good excuse frame,
As a cure for this terrible fasting.
Can I make it appear that for something I've sought?
But, O dear me, I fear that I here shall find naught
Save the cats and myself who just past in.
But, hark! some one's speaking—I'll hear what they're saying,
I may chance get off free by a moment's delaying.
"A delicious repast
This," said Murphy; "when last
I was feasted on trout was in good O'Neal's time.