But before I set out I will frankly declare
What detained me so late, though 'tis quite an affair
Of a delicate nature——wait—p'rhaps it's best not
To go talking about it—'tis better forgot—
She may think it unmanly, unjust, or unkind
If I spread it abroad, so you please must not mind
These few words I've just said; I'll be back here ere long,
And will favour you then with a comical song."
"Oh, oh!" said the farmer, and glanced a sly wink;
"There's some gal in the gale then, you'd have us to think.