Poor Mrs. T. could bear no more,

But fainted flat upon the floor.

Mamma-in-law, with anguish wild,

Seeks, all in vain, to rouse her child.

“Quick! Take this box of smelling-salts!

Don’t scold her, James, or you’ll repent it,

She’s a dear girl, with all her faults——”

“She is!” groaned Tottles (and he meant it).

“I was a donkey,” Tottles cried,

“To choose your daughter for my bride!