A prize-fight (my hat!)—

When I heard a great noise as though heaven was breaking asunder,

And "Thanks be to glory," said I, "for this merciful dole;

The rain! the beneficent rain! Will it lighten, I wonder?

I need not pack up, after all, for my cruise to the Pole;"

And my spirits revived and my appetite seemed to awaken,

And I said so to Jane as she brought in the kidneys and bacon;

I was vexed when she answered me pertly, "Why, that isn't thunder;

We're taking in coal!"

I say there are limits. The girl may be decent and sunny,