Mr. Wheedler. Quite so. With your permission, Sir, I will read you the Ballad. [Reads.
"MOLLY AND I.
"Oh! the day shall be marked in red letter——"
The Chairman. One moment, Mr. Wheedler, (conferring with his colleagues). "Marked with red letter"—isn't that a little—eh? liable to——You don't think they'll have read Hawthorne's book? Very well, then. Go on, Mr. Wheedler, please.
Mr. W. "'Twas warm, with a heaven so blue."
First Censor. Can't pass those two epithets—you must tone them down, Mr. Wheedler—much too suggestive!
Mr. W. That shall be done.
The Chairman. And it ought to be "sky."
Mr. W. "When amid the lush meadows I met her,
My Molly, so modest and true!"
Second Censor. I object to the word "lush"—a direct incitement to intemperance!