Domestic Asides; Or, Truth In Parentheses.

"I really take it very kind,     This visit, Mrs. Skinner!     I have not seen you such an age -     (The wretch has come to dinner!)     "Your daughters, too, what loves of girls -     What heads for painters' easels!     Come here and kiss the infant, dears -     (And give it p'rhaps the measles!)     "Your charming boys I see are home     From Reverend Mr. Russell's;     'Twas very kind to bring them both -     (What boots for my new Brussels!)     "What! little Clara left at home?     Well now I call that shabby:     I should have loved to kiss her so -     (A flabby, dabby, babby!)     "And Mr. S., I hope he's well,     Ah! though he lives so handy,     He never now drops in to sup -     (The better for our brandy!)     "Come, take a seat - I long to hear     About Matilda's marriage;     You're come of course to spend the day!     (Thank Heaven, I hear the carriage!)     "What! must you go? next time I hope     You'll give me longer measure;     Nay - I shall see you down the stairs -     (With most uncommon pleasure!)     "Good-bye! good-bye! remember all,     Next time you'll take your dinners!     (Now, David, mind I'm not at home     In future to the Skinners!")