“i really take it very kind,

this visit, mrs. skinner!

i have not seen you such an age —

(the wretch has come to dinner!)

“your daughters, too, what loves of girls —

what heads for painters’ easels!

come here and kiss the infant, dears —

(and give it p’rhaps the measles!)

“your charming boys i see are home

from reverend mr. russell’s;

’twas very kind to bring them both —

(what boots for my new brussels!)

“what! little clara left at home?

well now i call that shabby:

i should have loved to kiss her so —

(a flabby, dabby, babby!)

“and mr. s., i hope he’s well,

ah! though he lives so handy,

he never now drops in to sup —

(the better for our brandy!)

“come, take a seat — i long to hear

about matilda’s marriage;

you’re come of course to spend the day!

(thank heaven, i hear the carriage!)

“what! must you go? next time i hope

you’ll give me longer measure;

nay — i shall see you down the stairs —

(with most uncommon pleasure!)

“good-bye! good-bye! remember all,

next time you’ll take your dinners!

(now, david, mind i’m not at home

in future to the skinners!”)