And the men, while of no very special great talent,
There was yet a lieutenant with airs that were gallant.
There was also a wit who was quite proud of it,
Who teased an old bachelor—not sociable a bit,
For love so absorbed him he smiled and was mute,
While Malinda just laughed and encouraged his suit,
Till the heart of the bachelor grew light as a feather,
And he and Malinda drew closer together.
And even the cynical Simon was won
As the chatter of dancers went merrily on,