Volume 10 — THE RETORT

Old Nick, who taught the village school, Wedded a maid of homespun habit; He was stubborn as a mule, She was playful as a rabbit. Poor Jane had scarce become a wife, Before her husband sought to make her The pink of country polished life, And prim and formal as a Quaker. One day the tutor went abroad, And simple Jenny sadly missed him; When he returned, behind her lord She slyly stole, and fondly kissed him. The husband's anger arose—and red And white his face alternate grew. "Less freedom, ma'am!"—Jane sighed and said, "Oh dear! I didn't know 'twas you!"