Walk very softly here and very slowly;

Let no sound pass the barrier of your teeth;

Not that the spot whereon you tread is holy,

But lest you rouse her up that lies beneath.

She ruthlessly curtailed our golf and skittles;

She vetoed daily sprees and nightly jinks;

She doled our baccy and weighed out our victuals,

And watered (cruellest of all) our drinks.

Anathema (by order) were our races;

Joy-riding was taboo in car or train;