4. SETH BEMOANS THE OLDEST INHABITANT

We heard as we wer passing by the forge:

“’Er’s dead,” said he.

“’Tis Providence’s doing,” so said George.

“He’s allus doing summat,” so I said,

“You see this pig; we kept un aal the year

Fatting un up and priding in un, see,

And spent a yup o’ money—food so dear!

I wish ’twer ’e;

I’d liefer our fat pig had died than she.”