The Invitation.

While waiting debating I stated before,

Jack Merdle drove up in his carriage and bays,

“Halloo,” said the banker, “I see you're ashore —

No wonder — this weather is all in a haze —

But come in my carriage, and truly confess

You're a victim of hunger and dinner down town;

A case of most common distressing distress;

When dining in public with Jones, Smith or Brown,

Or some other practical men of the nation,

Is worse on the whole than a little starvation.

But come home with me for the sake of Lang Syne,

And see Mrs. Merdle and see how we dine.

I must not expect,” he advised in advance,

“To meet with a dinner got up in perfection,

But must run the risk of the luck and the chance,

As candidates do on the day of election.”