But a fortnight after marriage—early times for piping eye;
Six months after, things were worse, and the piping eye was black,
And this gallant British husband caned his wife upon the back.
Three months after they were married, husband pushed her to the door,
Told her to be off and leave him, for he wanted her no more.
As she would not go, why, he went: thrice he left his lady dear—
Left her, too, without a penny, for more than a quarter of a year.
Mrs. Frances Duncan knew the parties very well indeed;
She had seen him pull his lady’s nose, and make her lip to bleed;
If he chanced to sit at home, not a single word he said;