MRS. WASHTUB ON TELEGRAMS.

Ah, drat them nasty telegrams that keeps folks all in sitch a flurry,

Whenever there's the least to-do, with constant worry, worry, worry!

I recollect in my young days when there was no sitch expectation,

And news to travel took its time, suspense was bore with resignation.

What was to be, we used to say, would be, and couldn't be prewented,

Which 'twas consolin' for to think, and made one happy and contented.

What would be we should live to see, if we lived long enough, 'twas

certain,

And p'raps it might a mercy be the future was behind the curtain.

Misfortunes came, as come they must, in this here wale of trile and

sorrow.

But then, if bad news come to-day, no news was like to come to-morrow.

No news was good news people said, and hoped meanwhile they might be

better,

Leastways until the next day's post brought 'em a paper or a letter.

'Tis true, relief as soon may come, sometimes, by artificial

light'nin'.

When days and weeks of dark and storm you've undergone afore the

bright'nin':

All's well as ends well, thanks be praised, the croakers found

theirselves mistaken--

But by them plaguy telegrams how my poor old narves have bin shaken!

* * * * *

Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 62, January 6, 1872 · 第 20 / 27 题