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The Humourous Poetry of the English Language

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516<br />

A weight upon thy brain!<br />

"Nay, nay, that sickly smile can ne'er<br />

Deceive affection's searching eye;<br />

'Tis a wife's duty, love, to share<br />

Her husband's agony.<br />

"Since <strong>the</strong> dawn began to peep,<br />

Have I lain with stifled breath;<br />

Heard <strong>the</strong>e moaning in thy sleep,<br />

As thou wert at grips with death.<br />

"Oh, what joy it was to see<br />

My gentle lord once more awake!<br />

Tell me, what is amiss with <strong>the</strong>e?<br />

Speak, or my heart will break!"<br />

"Mary, thou angel <strong>of</strong> my life,<br />

Thou ever good and kind;<br />

'Tis not, believe me, my dear wife,<br />

<strong>The</strong> anguish <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> mind!<br />

"It is not in my bosom, dear,<br />

No, nor my brain, in sooth;<br />

But Mary, oh, I feel it here,<br />

Here in my wisdom tooth!<br />

"<strong>The</strong>n give,--oh, first, best antidote,--<br />

Sweet partner <strong>of</strong> my bed!<br />

Give me thy flannel petticoat<br />

To wrap around my head!"<br />

[Illustration: Lowell]<br />

THE HUSBAND'S PETITION.<br />

WILLIAM AYTOUN.<br />

Come hi<strong>the</strong>r, my heart's darling,

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