He was a clerk on public duty,

And she a most conceited beauty:

When, as he enter'd, her sharp tongue

Began in tones both harsh and strong,—

"Pray, Free-born, do you think it breeding,

That he should thus be always reading?

When he does from his office come

'Tis thus he sits hum-drum at home,

As if he thought so low my wit

I'm not for conversation fit;