So I'm sure she deserves him far better than I,

Who all hope—yea, the wish—now for ever resign

Of beholding young Murphy a bridegroom of mine.

Unless (and she here had a slight tickling cough),

Your rev'rence think right I should keep to my troth."

"Please to stop," said the priest; "this is pretty, no doubt;

Still when Justice begins she must have her say out.

We have well scanned the subject on every side,

But have not yet decreed which by law is the bride;

Though, as some great philosopher wisely observed,