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A Somerset me barn, bring dem come, bring dem make me batter dem, bring dem come, me would take me picker batter dem, bring dem come. A Woburn Lawn me barn, bring dem come, I will like to see dem batter me, bring dem come, A Goatridge me barn, bring dem come, I want to see dem jostle me, bring dem come. |
This is a digging contest. The Somerset men challenge their neighbours. Whoever digs most yam-hills in a given time is to be the winner. Every man is confident that he will hold out longer than every other, and boasts like Goliath. "I was born at Somerset; bring the strangers, bring them, let me beat them; I will take my pickaxe and beat them—I was born at Woburn Lawn; I should like to see them beat me." Honour and glory is the sole reward, but that counts for a great deal. It is so gratifying to hear the others say "Lah! that man dig hill, ya."
("Jostle" has the same meaning as "batter." When two ponies race, the riders try to jostle and foul each other.)
LXXXVI.
The next is really a woodcutter's sing, but it is used also for digging:—
