To learn if Kitty soundly slept, And softly to the passage crept. "I'll see the influence," he said, "Of nightingale and change of bed." With bated breath, upon tip toes, Close to the couch he cautious goes Where Kitty lay in calm repose. Excessive heat had made all clothes Unbearable. The sleeping pair Had cast them off, and lay as bare As our first happy parents were In Paradise. But in the place Of apple, in her willing hand Kate firmly grasp the magic wand Which served to found the human race, The which to name were a disgrace, Though dames the most refined employ it; Desire it, and much enjoy it, If good Catullus tells us true. The father scarce believed his view, But keeping in his bosom pent His anger, to his wife he went, And said, "Get up, and come with me. "At present I can plainly see "Why Kate had such anxiety "To hear the nightingale, for she "To catch the bird so well has planned "That now she holds him in her hand." The mother almost wept for glee. "A nightingale, oh! let me see. "How large is he, and can he sing, "And will he breed, the pretty thing? "How did she catch him, clever child?" Despite his grief the good man smiled. "Much more than you expect you'll see. "But hold your tongue, and come with me; "For if your chattering is heard, "Away will fly the timid bird; "And you will spoil our daughter's game." Who was surprised? It was the dame. Her anger burst into a flame As she the nightingale espied Which Kitty held; she could have cried, And scolded, called her nasty slut, And brazen hussey, bitch, and--but Her husband stopped her. "What's the use "Of all your scolding and abuse? "The mischief's done, in vain may you "From now till doomsday fret and stew, "Misfortune done you can't undo, "But something may be done to mend: "For notary this instant send, "Bid holy priest and mayor attend. "For their good offices I wait "To set this nasty matter straight." As he discoursed, Richard awoke, And seeing that the sun had broke, These troubled words to Kitty spoke "Alas, my love, 'tis broad day light, "How can I now effect my flight?" "All will go well," rejoined the sire, "I will not grumble, my just ire "Were useless here; you have committed "A wrong of which to be acquitted, "Richard, there is one only way,