64 SKATES AND LIFE.

I didn’t mind—I took my hat,
And button’d on my coat.

I seized my skates—unlock’d the door—
Undid the heavy chain—

Drew back the bolt—and found myself—
Where ?—Standing in the rain!

 

The frost was done—and so was I—
The air no more was raw ;
But all around was damp, and slush,

And mist, and fog, and thaw.

The milkman paddled through the streets,
A sack was o’er his head!

I wish’d I had n’t bought my skates,
And went up stairs to bed.