The Boudoir No. 3

THE HOBGOBLIN

A young man lately in our town,

He went to bed one night,

He had no sooner laid him down,

But was troubled with a sprite;

So vigorously the spirit stood,

Let him do what he can,

Sure then, he said,

It must be laid,

By woman, not by man.

A handsome maid did undertake,

And into the bed she leap'd;

And to allay the spirit's power,

Full close to him she crept;

She having such a guardian care

Her office to discharge,

She open'd wide her conjuring book,

And laid her leaves at large.

Her office she did well perform,

Within a little space;

Then up she rose, and down he lay,

And durst not show his face.

She took her leave, and away she went,

When she had done the deed;

Saying, "If it chance to come again,

Then send for me with speed."