A Day’s Pleasure — No. I.
The Journey Out
“It’s werry hot, but werry pleasant.”
SAYS Mrs. Sibson to her spouse
“The days is hot and fair;
I think ’twould do the children good
To get a little hair!
“For ve’ve been moping here at home
And nothin’ seen o’ life;
Vhile neighbor Jones he takes his jaunts
O’ Sundays vith his vife!”
“Vell! vell! my dear,” quoth Mr. S____
“Let’s hear vot you purpose;
I’m al’ays ready to comply,
As you, my love, vell knows.
“I’ll make no bones about the cost;
You knows I never stick
About a trifle to amuse,
So, dearest Pol, be quick.”
“Vhy, this is it:—I think ve might
To Hornsey have a day;
Maria, Peg, and Sal, and Bet
Ve’d pack into a ‘chay.’
“Our Jim and Harry both could valk,
(God bless their little feet!)
The babby in my arms I’d take—
I’m sure ’twould be a treat;”
Quoth he: “I am unanimous!”
And so the day was fix’d;
And forth they started in good trim,
Tho’ not with toil umnix’d.
Across his shoulders Sibson bore
A basket with the “grub,”
And to the “chay” perform’d the “horse,”
Lest Mrs. S____ should snub.
Apollo smiled!—that is, the sun
Blazed in a cloudless sky,
And Sibson soon was in a “broil”
By dragging of his “fry.”
Says S____, “My love, I’m dry as dust!”
When she replied, quite gay,
“Then, drink; for see I’ve bottled up
My spirits for the day.”
And from the basket drew a flask,
And eke a footless glass;
He quaff’d the drink, and cried, “Now, dear,
I’m strong as ____” let that pass!
At last they reach’d the destined spot
And prop and babes unpacked;
They ran about, and stuff’d, and cramm’d,
And really nothing lack’d.
And Sibson, as he “blew a cloud,”
Declared, “It vos a day!”
And vow’d that he would come again—
Then call’d for “Vot’s to pay?”