That next door dwelt an invalid near to his end.
The poor man thought within himself: “I’m deaf as stone,
How can I hope to comprehend this neighbour’s tone?135
More ’specially as sick men speak so very low.
Still, go I must; mere decency demands my bow.
When I advance, he’ll me address,—his lips will move.
From thence I’ll glean a notion, may not quite false prove.
I’ll ask him how he feels to-day, ’mid so much pain.
He’ll answer surely: ‘Thank you; better in the main.’
Reply I will: ‘Most happy! How’s the appetite?’