Maude received them all civilly, asked them to dine,
Gave them capital venison, and excellent wine,
But declared, when they popp’d, that she’d really no notion
They’d had serious intentions—she owned their devotion
Was excessively flattering—quite touching—in fact
She was grieved at the part duty forced her to act;
Still her recent bereavement—her excellent father—
(Here she took out her handkerchief) yes, she had rather—
Rather not (here she sobbed) say a thing so unpleasant,
But she’d made up her mind not to marry at present.