But he read in a way that you’d scarcely believe

(For you didn’t know Albert McGee),—

In a way that the bejants all agreed

Was really frightful to see.

And this was the reason he always said no,

When invited out to a spree

(His favourite excuse was a very bad cold,

But that was all fiddle-de-dee).

And always at midnight his landlady came,

Bringing him gallons of tea;