But the Abbot, of course, must again interfere. Loud he calls, "Mr. Culprit, just step, sir, up here; And you, monks, keep your eyes on the door. For our sentence is this,--that the maiden you wed; Yes, and live with her too till you're dead, sir--quite dead. Oh, you ne'er shall escape from her more! And Miss Bride, you'll oblige by just letting me know If he does not behave himself properly, so I may think of some punishment sore. Now, before I unite In the conjugal rite This unhappy young pair, Is there any one here Has the slightest idea Of a like rash affair? If there is, I advise, Ere the chance from him flies, That he hither repair. For, as Romulus said, you should never delay Till to-morrow what can be as well done to-day. For delays dang'rous are, as the widow can prove, And time never returns, but is still on the move." Then he silent remained, as if buried in thought, While his eyelids dropt down as if slumber they sought; Till the beautiful Clare, by young Flanagan Ted (Her long-betrothed lover), was joyfully led. When "Ah!" he exclaimed; and again closed his eyes, Just to ponder, no doubt, on some subject more wise;-- On the frailty, perhaps, of the masculine sex, Who allow pretty faces their thoughts to perplex, And their hearts twirl about like a conjurer's plate, While they kindly persuade them they can't avoid Fate. "O dear May! dearest May!" Whispered Samuel Delhay; "I scarce know what I say, But just listen, I pray. I've loved you so dearly, A twelvemonth or nearly, Most truly, sincerely,-- Not for your looks merely, But the bewitching grace In each action I trace; With which no charm keeps pace But your beautiful face. Oh, if you would hear me! To be ever near me! What joy would then cheer me! Though trembling I fear me, Lest you now should say Nay; Your dear face turn away, Or should wish for delay, Which were death to obey." Then May blushed crimson deep, While her eyes downward keep, As she seems most intensely to think. Till her gaze slily peeps; Tow'rds her mother it creeps, Who she saw nearly audibly wink. Then, no more time to waste, In his hands hers she placed, Who appeared with such rapture possess'd That he screamed with delight, Put poor May in a fright, And exceedingly startled each guest.