And swept off the area stairs.

“I’ve wiped all the silver and china,

And just dropped one piece on the floor,

Yes, Doctor, it broke in the middle,

But I ’spect it was cracked before.

“And the steps that I saved precious mamma!

You’d be s’prised, Doctor Brown, if you knew.

She says if it wasn’t for Bessie

She couldn’t exist the day through!

“It’s ‘Bessie, bring papa some water!’