THE WEDDING MORNING

Tabitha dressed for her wedding: -

“Tabby, why look so sad?”

“— O I feel a great gloominess spreading, spreading,

Instead of supremely glad!...

“I called on Carry last night,

And he came whilst I was there,

Not knowing I'd called. So I kept out of sight,

And I heard what he said to her:

“‘ — Ah, I'd far liefer marry

YOU, Dear, to-morrow!’ he said,

‘ But that cannot be.’ — O I'd give him to Carry,

And willingly see them wed,

“But how can I do it when

His baby will soon be born?

After that I hope I may die. And then

She can have him. I shall not mourn!’