lisbury. Perhaps you might
get off on the plea that you had only one and a half," continued
Nancy, laughing.

"Well, perhaps she might," replied Jemmy, "if he were a judge of
understanding."

"I should think, Mistress Nancy, you might as well leave my husband's
legs alone," observed Moggy, affronted.

"Lord bless you, Moggy, if he's not angry, you surely should not be; I
give a joke, and I can take one. You surely are not jealous?"

"Indeed I am though, and always shall be of anyone who plays with my
Jemmy."

"Or if he plays with anything else?"

"Yes, indeed."

"Yes, indeed! then you must be downright jealous of his fiddle, Moggy,"
replied Nancy; "but never mind, you sha'n't be jealous now about
nothing. I'll sing you a song, and then you'll forget all this." Nancy
Corbett then sang as follows:

Fond Mary sat on Henry's knee,
"I must be home exact," said he,
"And see, the hour is come."
"No, Henry, you shall never go
Until me how to count you show;
That task must first be done."

Then Harry said, "As time is short,
Addition you must first be taught;--
Sum up these kisses sweet;

"Now prove your sum by kissing me:--
Yes, that is right, 'twas three times three--
Arithmetic's a treat.

"And now there is another term,
Subtraction you have yet to learn;
Take four away from these."
"Yes, that is right, you've made it out,"
Says Mary, with a pretty pout,
"Subtraction don't me please."

Division's next upon the list;
Young Henry taught while Mary kissed,
And much admired the rule;
"Now, Henry, don't you think me quick?"
"Why, yes, indeed, you've learned the trick;
At kissing you're no fool."

To multiply was next the game,
Which Henry by the method same,
To Mary fain would show;
But here his patience was worn out,
She multiplied too fast I doubt,
He could no farther go.

"And now we must leave off, my dear;
The other rules are not so clear,
We'll try at them to-night;"
"I'll come at eve, my Henry sweet;
Behind the hawthorn hedge we'll meet,
For learning's my delight."

"That's a very pretty song, Mistress Corbett, and you've a nice
collection, I've no doubt. If you've no objection, I'll exchange another
with you."

"I should be most willing, Mr Salisbury; but we are now getting well
over, an