This page has been validated.
34
THE "BAB" BALLADS.
"Oh, my," said he, with solemn frown,
"I tremble for each dancing frater,
Like unregenerated clown
And harlequin at some thee-ayter."
He showed that men, in dancing, do
Both impiously and absurdly,
And proved his proposition true,
With Firstly, Secondly, and Thirdly.
For months both John and Freddy danced,
The curate's protests little heeding;
For months the curate's words enhanced
The sinfulness of their proceeding.
At length they bowed to Nature's rule—
Their steps grew feeble and unsteady,
Till Freddy fainted on a stool,
And Johnny on the top of Freddy.
