Then is the time you'll see the uses
Of a whole set of 'good excuses:'
"A near relation came a distance,
And really needing your assistance,—
An uncle whom you'd never seen
From 'such times' you were seventeen,
And all that you could raise (alack!)
Was scarce enough to take him back."—
"Some one, to whom you'd money lent,
Was making for the Continent."—