And so, when Coote and Tinney’s Own
Had tootled all they knew,
And when the Guards, completely blown,
Exhaustedly withdrew,
And Nell began to sleepy feel,
Poor Aaron then would come,
And underneath her window wheel
His plain harmonium.
He woke her every morn at two,
And having gained her ear,
In vivid colours Aaron drew
The sluggard’s grim career.
He warbled Apiarian praise,
And taught her in his chant
To shun the dog’s pugnacious ways,
And imitate the ant.
Still Nell seemed not, how much he played,
To love him out and out,
Although the admirable maid
Respected him, no doubt.
She told him of her early vow,
And said as Bernard’s wife
It might be hers to show him how
To rectify his life.
“You are so pure, so kind, so true,
Your goodness shines so bright,
What use would Ellen be to you?
Believe me, you’re all right.”
She wished him happiness and health,
And flew on lightning wings
To Bernard with his dangerous wealth
And all the woes it brings.
BRAVE ALUM BEY
Oh, big was the bosom of brave Alum Bey,
And also the region that under it lay,
In safety and peril remarkably cool,
And he dwelt on the banks of the river Stamboul.