GOING TO WORK
Come along for the work is ready—
Rough it may be, rough, tough and hard—
But—fourteen years old—stout, strong and steady,
Life's game's beginning, lad!—play your card—
Come along.
Mother stands at the door-step crying
Well but she has a brave heart too:
She'll try to be glad—there's nought like trying,
She's proud of having a son like you.
Come along.
Young as she is, her hair is whitening,
She has ploughed thro' years of sorrow deep,
She looks at her boy, and her eyes are brightening,
Shame if ever you make them weep!
Come along.
Bravo! See how the brown cheek flushes!
Ready to work as hard as you can?
I have always faith in a boy that blushes,
None will blush for him, when he's a man.
Come along.