CONJUGAL AFFECTION.
Reading edition
When Elliott (called the Salamander) Was famed Gibraltar’s stout commander, A soldier there went to a well To fetch home water to his Nell; But fate decreed the youth to fall A victim to a cannon ball. One brought the tidings to his spouse, Which drove her frantic from the house; On wings of love the creature fled To seek her dear—she found him dead! Her husband killed—the water spilt— Judge, ye fond females, what she felt! She looked—she sighed—and melting, spoke— “Thank God, the pitcher is not broke!” Thomas Cannings (fl. 1790–1800).