Of knockers on its oaken door, it bore a double stock,

I took those knockers, and I struck duet of double knock,

And just as I was rounding off my rallantando din,

The door was gently opened and a lady cried "Come in!"

I must confess, I fluttered with a flick of some surprise,

To see a lady so petite, and with such piercing eyes,

An artificial bloom was on her cheek, and nose, and neck,

Her gown was of a quaint brocade in antique floral check.

By transmutating hand of time, and his assistant care,

The golden sheen to silver light was paling thro' her hair,