A MILITARY APPOINTMENT

“So back you have come from the town, Nan, dear!

And have you seen him there, or near -

That soldier of mine -

Who long since promised to meet me here?”

“— O yes, Nell: from the town I come,

And have seen your lover on sick-leave home -

That soldier of yours -

Who swore to meet you, or Strike-him-dumb;

“But has kept himself of late away;

Yet,— in short, he's coming, I heard him say -

That lover of yours -

To this very spot on this very day.”

“— Then I'll wait, I'll wait, through wet or dry!

I'll give him a goblet brimming high -

This lover of mine -

And not of complaint one word or sigh!”

“— Nell, him I have chanced so much to see,

That — he has grown the lover of me! -

That lover of yours -

And it's here our meeting is planned to be.”