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by Unknown

I was only a joking, you know; I’m willing to take it back.

John (aside).

Well, now, if this ain’t a joke, with rather a bitter cream!

It seems as if I’d woke from a mighty ticklish dream;

And I think she “smells a rat,” for she smiles at me so queer,

I hope she don’t; good gracious! I hope that they didn’t hear!

’Twas one of her practical drives—she thought I’d understand!

But I’ll never break sod again till I get the lay of the land.

But one thing’s settled with me—to appreciate heaven well,

’Tis good for a man to have some fifteen minutes of hell.