For me the partial peacock saves his egg,
No sheep e'er snaps if I attempt to touch her,
Lambs like it when I lead them to the butcher!
Each morn I milk my rams beneath the shed,
While rabbits flutter twittering round my head,
And, as befits a dairy-farmer's daughter,
What milk I get I supplement with water,
[A huge Shadow is thrown on the road outside; Lydia starts.
Whose shadow is it makes the highway darker?
That bullet head! those ears! it is——Jack Parker!
[Chord. The Chorus flee in dismay, as Jack enters with a reckless swagger.
Song—Jack Parker.
I'm loafing about, and I very much doubt
If my excellent Ma is aware that I'm out;
My time I employ in attempts to annoy,
And I'm not what you'd call an agreeable boy!
I shoe the cats with walnut-shells;
Tin cans to curs I tie;
Ring furious knells at front-door bells—
Then round the corner fly!
'Neath donkeys' tails I fasten furze,
Or timid horsemen scare;
If chance occurs, I stock with burrs
My little Sister's hair!
[The Bull shakes his head reprovingly.
Such tricks give me joy without any alloy,
But they do not denote an agreeable boy!
[As Jack Parker concludes, the Bull ducks cautiously below the half-door, while Lydia conceals herself behind the pump, l.c.
Jack (wandering about stage discontentedly). I thought at least there'd be some beasts to badger here!
Call this a farm—there ain't a blooming spadger here!