Page:The Bab Ballads.djvu/153

 Time was when I waited, waited,
 * For the missives that she wrote.

Humble postmen execrated— Loudly, deeply execrated— When I heard I wasn't fated
 * To be gladdened with a note.

Time was when I'd not have bartered
 * Of her little pen a dip

For a peerage duly gartered— For a peerage starred and gartered— With a palace-office chartered—
 * Or a Secretaryship!

But the time for that is over,
 * And I wish we'd never met.

I'm afraid I've proved a rover— I'm afraid a heartless rover— Quarters in a place like Dover
 * Tend to make a man forget.

Now I can accord precedence
 * To my tailor, for I do

Want to know if he gives credence— An unwarrantable credence—
 * To my proffered I O U!