T. Hodgkinson, Punch, Volume 147, Issue 3813… (19th and 20th century)
“ THE WISER CHOICE. [A weekly paper points out that letters of proposal should be carefully timed to arrive in the evening, that being the sentimental time of the day when acceptance is most likely.] Good Sir, your directions are all very fine, But, when I propose by the pen trick, I shall look for a temper to tolerate mine, And mine is distinctly eccentric; If she, in the morning, is likely to grouse, If her breakfast demeanour is surly, There would not be room for us both in the house; I'm peevish myself when it's early. ”
