And so I came at dawn of day,

A-crying, too, I’ve heard them say,

And found few preparations made—

I’ve often wondered that I stayed.

Plain petticoats and untrimmed slips,

Pewter spoons that scratched my lips,

A cradle made of painted pine,

That rocked so rough it made me whine;

Then three long hours every day

The colic checked my baby play;