Precedence again disturbed the minds of the company.

At last the red-faced young farmer led off with 'The Rose and the Thorn.' In that day Chloe still lived; nor were the amorous transports of Strephon quenched.

Mountainous inflation--mouse-like issue characterized the young farmer's first verse.

Encouraged by manifest approbation he now told Chloe that he 'by Heaven! never would plant in that bosom a thorn,' with such a volume of sound as did indeed show how a lover's oath should be uttered in the ear of a British damsel to subdue her.
'Good!' cried Mr.Raikes, anxious to be convivial.
Subsiding into impertinence, he asked Laxley, 'Could you tip us a Strephonade, sir?
Rejoiced to listen to you, I'm sure! Promise you my applause beforehand.' Harry replied hotly: 'Will you step out of the room with me a minute ?' 'Have you a confession to make ?' quoth Jack, unmoved.

'Have you planted a thorn in the feminine flower-garden?
Make a clean breast of it at the table.