If I made a remark, or but cast a glance at her.

I, by chance, once myself made this very mistake

(Near as awkward a one as a man can well make),

For I have a few sisters, but never once thought

Them much out of the way, till more properly taught.

They explained I was wrong, and I could not well doubt it,

For they proved that I really knew nothing about it.

Now in just this position was poor Murphy placed,

He could scarcely perceive Joan was prettily faced;

She was handy, he knew, in the kitchen and dairy,