His apron was dirty to view;

The women (oh! wond’rous) were hush’d at his sight;

The cats, as they ey’d him, drew back, (well they might)

For his body was pea-green and blue!

Now as all wish’d to speak, but none knew what to say,

They look’d mighty foolish and queer;

At length spoke the bride, while she trembled, “I pray,

“Dear sir, your peruke that aside you wou’d lay,

“And partake of some strong or small beer!”

The sempstress is silent; the stranger complies,