That served for a pair of gold rings to go through,

But for any purpose of ears in a parley,

They heard no more than ears of barley.

No hint was needed from D.E.F.

You saw in her face that the woman was deaf;

From her twisted mouth to her eyes so peery,

Each queer feature asked a query;

A look that said in a silent way,

"Who? and What? and How? and Eh?

I'd give my ears to know what you say!"