Scratched his nose and his eyes, and spit in his face,
And sent him off yelping; from which it appears
Those who ask prying questions may meet with disgrace.
THE BEGGAR MAN.
Around the fire, one wintry night,
The farmer’s rosy children sat;
The fagot lent its blazing light,
And jokes went round, and careless chat;
When, hark! a gentle hand they hear