The Choice (Rhymes for the Times)

[A well-known lady dog-fancier informed a representative of the / _Daily Mirror_ that, in case of fire, she would most certainly / save her dog rather than her husband.]

'Go! Sound the fire alarm! ' she cried. / 'My house is all ablaze inside! / 'The flames are spreading far and wide; / 'The air with smoke is laden! / 'My darling's in an upper room! / 'Oh, save him from a fiery tomb! ' / Straight, as she spoke, through sparks and fume / Came brave Lieutenant Sladen. / Quoth he: 'The horsed-escape is here, ma'am; / 'We'll save your husband, never fear, ma'am!'