I would break with you a lance—if you please, Tom Smith.
I’m myself a family man, and I don’t believe you can
Contrive to live with yours on bread and cheese—Tom Smith.
You’ve “a hundred pounds a year”—well, let’s even say it’s clear
Of income-tax, that’s not two pounds a week—Tom Smith.
But the cottage is “your own,” so the rent must in be thrown,
Which I grant will help your income out to eke—Tom Smith.
Per contra, you’ve a wife, as dear to you as life,—
I hope she is, I’m sure, for both your sakes—Tom Smith.
But the more you hold her dear, the more must be your fear,