And, could but fairy laundresses be found,

We might below get iron’d, wash’d, and dried!

Stout oars and swelling sails we once did deem

Sufficient in a boat for tide and wind;

Now only boiling water we esteem,

And all, though right before is left behind!

Horses were changed, en route to Gretna Green,

And “first pair out!” would landlords loudly bawl;

But “Polly put the kettle on,” I ween,

Will greet us when for horses there’s no call!