Now was Sir Grover passing wroth:
“A murrain seize the man,” he quoth,
“Who first invented ties!
Egad, they are a grievous bore,
And tying of them vexeth sore
A person of my size!”
Lo, at his feet upon the floor
Were sprent the neckties by the score,
And collars all awreck;
And good Sir Grover’s cheeks were flame,
And good Sir Grover’s arms were lame,
With wrestling at his neck.
But much it joyed him when he heard
Sir Daniel say, “I fain will gird
Your necktie on for you,
As ’twill not cause you constant fear
Of bobbing round beneath your ear,
Or setting you askew.”
Sir Daniel grasped one paltry tie,
And with a calm, heroic eye
And confidential air
(As who should say, “Odds bobs! I vow
There’s nothing like the knowing how”),
He mounted on a chair.
And whilst Sir Grover raised his chin
(For much he did respect the pin),
Sir Daniel tied the tie,
The which when good Sir Grover viewed,—
Albeit it beliked a dude,—
He heaved a grateful sigh.