6. MARTHA BAZIN ON MARRIAGE

This is the fourth ’un, Miss, and if so be

As he do die out like the t’other three,

I’ll take another man (if one do ask).

Woman and man apart be like a cask

Without a bung, letting Life’s cider out,

The Almighty made to drink withouten doubt.

I never could abode the thought o’ waste

Whether of Life or cider, fit for taste.

But love him, Miss, you ask?—why, that I can,

And thank the Lord I could love any man.

CHILDREN