Three days pass’d by: Joe doubted (what

Three days pass’d by: Joe doubted (what?) If all was strictly true; And thought t’himself—hath “John” forgot Joe James of, of Westlooe? * * * Another day pass’d o’er his head; His fears now ’gan t’increase; He reckon’d up what he had paid,— The sum disturb’d his peace! “Oh! sinner that I am,” quoth he, “To put such faith in man;” And paus’d: then bawl’d out savagely, “Oh! may the rogue be d——n’.” * * * Now, when poor Captain Joseph felt That watch and all was lost, He grumbled something, sigh’d, and knelt, And counted up the cost,— Which ’mounted to twelve sterling-pounds, Eight shillings, and odd pence! Enough. His anger knew no bounds, His rage became intense, (With whom poor Captain Joe knew not) And e’en the beard he bore He turn’d aside—aim’d at his throat! But failing this—he swore That all but him were rogues and thieves; That every living soul, From parish-paupers to state-chiefs, Would surely go to ——.