And while I thus was fidgetting, the sun shot forth a ray;
And then I hoped to be in time all for the "Settling Day."
The rain clear'd off, and gladsomely I did prepare to go,
When up there came an Ancient Dame with visage full of woe:
She laid on me her skinny hand, and mournfully did say:
"To my lament you must give ear, altho' 'tis 'Settling Day.'"
"Good lady," I began to say, "my time is very short,"—
And fain I would have slipp'd away, but she my button caught.
"Oh! listen to your Grandmother! for she has much to say,"—
(She surely held me by some spell, although 'twas "Settling Day.")