He’s dodging hot water and sticks;

I’m shamed to confess it, but truth I must write,

He’s a foot-ball that every one kicks.

I hear his thin cry, and his frightened “ki-yi,”

Almost any hour of the day;

And Bridget’s “Bad ’cess to the likes of your Skye,

Sure he’s here, and he’s there like a flay.”

Upon his poor body the hair has all died,

’Tis smooth and as bare as your hand;