The Dress-Maker

A CLOISTERED nun had a lover     Dwelling in the neighb'ring town;     Both racked their brains to discover     How they best their love might crown.     The swain to pass the convent-door! -     No easy matter! - Thus they swore,     And wished it light. - I ne'er knew a nun     In such a pass to be outdone: -     In woman's clothes the youth must dress,     And gain admission. I confess     The ruse has oft been tried before,     But it succeeded as of yore.     Together in a close barred cell     The lovers were, and sewed all day,     Nor heeded how time flew away. -     "What's that I hear? Refection bell!     "'Tis time to part. Adieu! - Farewell! -     "How's this?" exclaimed the abbess, "why     "The last at table?" - "Madam, I     "Have had my dress-maker." - "The rent     "On which you've both been so intent     "Is hard to stop, for the whole day     "To sew and mend, you made her stay;     "Much work indeed you've had to do!     " - Madam, 't would last the whole night through,     "When in our task we find enjoyment     "There is no end of the employment."