And benches not too soft, to hear our play.

Next, to those friends my warmest thanks are due

Who give their aid to-night, but chief to you

Who for my sake, and only for to-day,

O’ercome your natural shyness of display.

Now comes the hardest portion of my task,

A most momentous question ’tis to ask.

I pause for your reply with bated breath—

I humbly hope you’ve not been bored to death?

Thanks for the signal which success assures;