A-reading a big black book,
With a steadfast patience, as was his rule,
For he never frivolled or played the fool,
Like a wanton urchin a-weary of school;
But, though ’twas the rollicking season of Yule,
He studied in quiet, and kept himself cool,
On his stool of repentance—a hard-bottomed stool—
And ne’er from that sage
Constitutional page
His reverent gaze he took.