O' the same son got to be of middle age,

Sour, saturnine,—your humble servant here,—

When things grow cross and the young wife, he finds

Take to the window at a whistle's bid,

And yet demurs thereon, preposterous fool!—

Whereat the worthies judge he wants advice

And beg to civilly ask what's evil here,

Perhaps remonstrate on the habit they deem

He's given unduly to, of beating her:

... Oh, sure he beats her—why says John so else,