In Other Words/Lines to Margaret, a Singing and Whistling Cook

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Lines to Margaret, a Singing and
Whistling Cook

Woman, attend my warning;
Hark to mine ultimat;
Done by my hand this morning,
Done in my five-room flat,
Hark to this warm effusion,
Ponder on what I write.
This is my firm conclusion,
Come to but yesternight:

Woman, respect my wishes —
Can you not cease to sing
While you are washing dishes?
You are an Awful Thing.
Melody is not in you
You are from song immune.
Will you not discontinue
Trying to trail a tune?

Peaceable I and lawful;
Dreadful of stress and strife;
But—you are worse than awful,
Spoiling my Joy of Life.
Here is my warning: Cop it.
Ponder it con and pro.
Woman, unless you stop it,
ONE OF US HAS TO GO.