Clashed the four quarters of noon, then come the first batch of the rev’llers,
Come in a large open boat, broad-bottomed, and decked with tarpaulin,
Which from the sun’s scorching rays formed a needful and pleasant protection.
Here were seated the belles of the fête, Kate and Ellen Merillian,
Fairest of all demoiselles who dwell in Belgravia’s quarters.
With them came Margaret Stewart, their pretty cousin from Scotland,
Marian Vernon, and eke, to give proper tone to the party,
Old Mrs. Blinder, who’s deaf, and so chaperoned most discreetly.
Nor did they lack cavaliers—Jack Wilson, the fast and the funny,
Pride of the Board of Control, delight of his club and his office,