Half past nine

Sweet are vacations, they bring variations
So thought John Tomkins, a clerk
As off like a rocket went he- cash in his pocket
Released from his dull office work
He went not to seaside, nor to the Dee-side
But to a village less famed
Where he, although married, a love affair carried
On with a girl who exclaimed,

'I'll be there, love, at half-past nine
I'll be there, be it wet or fine
I'm your true love, and you are mine
So meet me down the lane to-night at half-past nine.'

Still they must be pitied, for they both omitted
To mention which end of the lane
So whilst he, 'mid showers, stood at one end for hours
She waited the other in vain
She waited till ten, then said, 'He's like all men, then
I'll meet him tomorrow instead.'
With heart down to zero, she wrote to our hero
And this was the way the note read,

'I'll be there, love, at half-past nine
I'll be there, be it wet or fine
I'm your true love, and you are mine
So meet me down the lane to-night at half-past nine.'

Now, somehow John's missis quite pined for his kisses
So thought she'd run down her John
Arrived unexpected - the note intercepted
Read it, and guessed what was on
Thought she , 'Half-past nine, love, 'll see such a shine, love
For as the clock strikes I'll strike too.'
With horse-whip she waited - met him as stated
Then walloped poor John black and blue.

'I've got here, love, by half-past nine
I've got here - don't you think it fine?
I'm your true love, but you're not mine
I'll give you meeting tarts, you wretch, at half-past nine.'