At Malvern Wells

At Malvern Wells I ventured out:The wind was east, but veered aboutTo Nor'-nor'-east. I felt it chilly;My doctor called me—more than silly,And said I well deserved the gout.

His sage advice I deigned to flout;This was the reason why, no doubt,I found the roads so very hillyAt Malvern Wells.

Dull aches, rheumatic demons stout,I strove in vain to put to rout:The east wind whistled very shrilly,Till suddenly I came on LilyAt Malvern Wells.I came on Lily, clad in fur;She brought a genial warmth with her,Diffused a glow through all my frame.Avaunt, ye fiends! at Lilian's name,Of health a very harbinger.

My doctor says I would averThat she was Mercy's minister.He says 'The Wells,' but I exclaim,’I came on Lily.'

Despite M.D.'s, I do not err,Love is a potent sorcerer.My fiends all shrank, aghast and tame,As, no more crippled, halt, or maim,I came on Lily.