She said, "Some one I must elect
Poor Angelina to protect
From all who wish to harm her.
Since worthy Captain Todd is dead
I rather feel inclined to wed
A comfortable farmer."
A comfortable farmer came
(Bassanio Tyler was his name)
Who had no end of treasure:
He said, "My noble gal, be mine!"
The noble gal did not decline,
But simply said, "With pleasure."
When this was told to Captain Todd,
At first he thought it rather odd,
And felt some perturbation;
But very long he did not grieve,
He thought he could a way perceive
To _such_ a situation!
"I'll not reveal myself," said he,
"Till they are both in the Eccle-
siastical Arena;
Then suddenly I will appear,
And paralyzing them with fear,
Demand my Angelina!"
At length arrived the wedding day--
Accoutred in the usual way
Appeared the bridal body--
The worthy clergyman began,
When in the gallant captain ran
And cried, "Behold your Toddy!"
The bridegroom, p'r'aps, was terrified,
And also possibly the bride--
The bridesmaids _were_ affrighted;
But Angelina, noble soul,
Contrived her feelings to control,
And really seemed delighted.
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