We often aver we feel only “so so,”

And sigh for a change—then here comes a letter!

What could I desire more welcome and better?

But how to reply? I’m lost in dismay,

I cannot in rhyme my feelings portray.

The nine they discard me, I’m not of their train,

They entreatingly beg, “I’ll ne’er woo them again;”

But I’ll brave their displeasure, and e’en write to you

A few lines of doggrel, then rhyming adieu.

My errors do “wink at,” for hosts you’ll descry,