[The most noteworthy characteristic of a wet summer 
is the number of proposals made in the rain.] 
Beneath an Ilfracombe machine, 
While thunderstorms were raging, 
Strephon and Chloe found the scene 
Exceedingly engaging; 
Though Mother Earth reproached the skies 
With flinging pailfuls at her, 
When Strephon looked in Chloe's eyes 
The weather didn't matter. 
When 'Arry up on 'Ampstead 'Eath 
Performed a double shuffle, 
The rain above, the mud beneath, 
His spirits failed to ruffle; 
For 'Arriet was by his side 
In maddened mazes whirling 
And little cared his promised bride 
To see her plumes uncurling. 
For one resplendent Summer morn 
Young Edwin fondly waited, 
Till Angelina grew forlorn 
And quite emaciated. 
When Hampton Court was like a sponge, 
With mists their way beguiling, 
He seized her hand and took the plunge, 
And came up wet and smiling.


 



