I.

My vows I can never fulfil, Until I have breakfasted, one way or other; And I freely protest, That I never can rest ‘Till I borrow or beg An egg, Unless I can come at the ould hen, its mother. But Maggy, my dear, While you’re here, I don’t fear To want eggs that have just been laid newly; For och! you’re a pearl Of a girl, And you’re called so in _Latin_ most truly.