I’m in grim earnest. We are often told

Men cannot live on love; I’ll show that this

Is an untenable hypothesis;

For Love will prove to be a mine of gold:

Particularly if Miss Jay, perhaps,

Will Mr. Strawman’s “Life’s Romance” unfold,

As appetising feuilleton, in scraps.

Strawman [in terror].

Merciful heaven! My “life’s romance!” What, what!

When was my life romantic, if you please?