_To a Cockney Inquirer who consults her concerning the inevitable Annual
"Outing" and its probable issues._
_Inquirer._ What subject sets me worrying and doubting?
_Echo. "Outing._"
_Inquirer._ My wife suggests for family health's improving?--
_Echo. Roving._
_Inquirer._ What's the first requisite for taking pleasure?
_Echo. Leisure._
_Inquirer._ The second (for a slave to matrimony)?
_Echo. Money._
_Inquirer._ You say that woman of all founts of mischief--
_Echo. Is chief._
_Inquirer._ What is this close agreement of _my_ women?
_Echo. Omen._
_Inquirer._ I fear for me they'll prove a deal too clever?
_Echo. Ever._
_Inquirer._ What is the manner of my buxom Mary?
_Echo. Airy._
_Inquirer._ And what's her goal in every hint and notion?
_Echo. Ocean._
_Inquirer._ How recommends she Ramsgate, shrimpy, sandy?
_Echo. 'Andy._
_Inquirer._ Whereas _I_ hold it at this season torrid?--
_Echo. 'Orrid!_
_Inquirer._ And hint, with a faint view to scare or stop her?--
_Echo. 'Opper!_
_Inquirer._ (Meaning the _Pulex_.) Answers she politely?
_Echo. Lightly._
_Inquirer._ How then am I inclined to view the mater?
_Echo. 'Ate her._
_Inquirer._ What feel I when she hints at sea-side clothing?
_Echo. Loathing._
_Inquirer._ Mention of what makes all my family scoffers?
_Echo. Coffers._
_Inquirer._ Then if I storm, what word breaks sequent stillness?
_Echo. Illness!_
_Inquirer._ What feels a man when women 'gin to blubber?
_Echo. Lubber._
_Inquirer._ What is the show of patience that may follow?
_Echo. Hollow!_
_Inquirer._ What would the sex when it assumes that virtue?
_Echo. Hurt you._
_Inquirer._ What's the result of halting and misgiving?
_Echo. Giving._
_Inquirer._ What is man's share anent this yearly yearning?
_Echo. Earning._
_Inquirer._ What's the chief issue of this seaward flowing?
_Echo. Owing._
_Inquirer_. How long before I'm free of tradesmen's pages?
_Echo. Ages!_
* * * * *