And kindred subjects; it was then proposed,

Half jest, half earnest, that Sir Arthur should,

With each one of his family, present

A poem as portion of the Christmas feast

When next they met. With merry laugh from all

The challenge was accepted, and the scheme

Of reading then laid down: Sir Arthur first

Should bring forth his production; then the sons

And daughters, each in order of their years,

Should offer theirs; and to conclude the scene,