Or possibly the sugar shortage lately

Had proved itself abnormally acute;

In short, I felt that, though unkindly treated,

A happier time to me would surely come,

When my request (impassioned) would be greeted

With no down-pointing thumb.

Maud, it occurs to me you shunned a marriage

Because that function, otherwise "quite nice,"

Involved the facing of a friendly "barrage"

Mainly composed of valedictory rice,