And so the thing kept workin’, and all the self-same way;

Always somethin’ to ar’ge and something sharp to say,—

And down on us came the neighbors, a couple o’ dozen strong,

And lent their kindest sarvice to help the thing along.

And there have been days together—and many a weary week—

When both of us were cross and spunky, and both too proud to speak;

And I have been thinkin’ and thinkin’, the whole of the summer and fall,

If I can’t live kind with a woman, why, then I won’t at all.

And so I’ve talked with Betsy, and Betsy has talked with me;

And we have agreed together that we can never agree;