And wonder’d how I, without money, should pay
The little account to my laundress below!
And when I have heard a quick step on the stair,
I’ve thought which of twenty rich duns it could be,
I have rush’d to the door in a fit of despair,
And—received ten and sixpence for signing a plea.
CHORUS.—Signing a plea, signing a plea!
Received ten and sixpence for signing a plea.
They may talk as they will of the pleasure that’s found.
When venting in verse our despondence and grief;