My Virtual Reading Room

"My dear," he said, "observe this frightful bill,

Run up, I think you'll own, against my will.

If you will recollect our wedding day

You vowed on that occasion to obey."

"I do recall the day," said she, "and how

Me with your worldly goods you did endow."

"That," he replied, "is palpably absurd----"

"You mean you did not mean to keep your word?"

"O, yes," he answered, "in a general way."

"And that," said she, "is how I meant obey."