For you really have taken me quite by surprise,
Though great presence of mind at emergence will rise.
Still, be quick; for should we by some chance be too late,
I must leave you to struggle alone with your fate."
But the course of true love it can never run smooth,
As this tale will, as others, undoubtedly prove.
There is always some guardian, or cruel old Pa,
Who won't give his consent; or some tiresome Ma,
Who don't think the young man is quite well enough off
For her beautiful daughter to wed; and so forth.