Love in a Mist

[The most noteworthy characteristic of a wet summer is the number of proposals made in the rain.]

Beneath an Ilfracombe machine,

While thunderstorms were raging,

Strephon and Chloe found the scene

Exceedingly engaging;

Though Mother Earth reproached the skies

With flinging pailfuls at her,

When Strephon looked in Chloe's eyes

The weather didn't matter.

When 'Arry up on 'Ampstead 'Eath

Performed a double shuffle,

The rain above, the mud beneath,

His spirits failed to ruffle;

For 'Arriet was by his side

In maddened mazes whirling

And little cared his promised bride

To see her plumes uncurling.

For one resplendent Summer morn

Young Edwin fondly waited,

Till Angelina grew forlorn

And quite emaciated.

When Hampton Court was like a sponge,

With mists their way beguiling,

He seized her hand and took the plunge,

And came up wet and smiling.