She lays out punds in manadge things,
Like mony a thriftless, thoughtless bein';
Yet bairns and me, as if we'd wings,
Are a' in rags an' tatters fleein'.
Just mark wor dress—a lapless coat,
With byeth the elbows sticking through—
A hat that never cost a groat—
A neckless shirt—a clog and shoe.
She chalks up scores at a' the shops
Wherever we've a twelvemonth staid;
And when we flit, the landlord stops
Ma sticks till a' the rent be paid.
Aw's ca'd a hen-pick'd, pluckless calf,
For letting her the breeches wear;
And tell'd aw dinna thresh her half—
Wi' mony a bitter jibe and jeer.
'Aw think,' says Dick, 'aw wad her towen,
And verra suin her courage cuil:
Aw'd dook her in wor engine powen,
Then clap her on Repentance stuil.
If that should not her tantrums check,
Aw'd peel her to the varra sark:
Then 'noint her wi' a twig o' yeck,
And efter make her eat the bark.'
Enough like this aw've heard thro' life;
For every body has a plan
To guide a rackle ram-stam wife,
Except the poor tormented man."
Will could not now his feelings stay—
The tear roll'd down his care-worn cheek:
He thrimmell'd out what he'd to pay,
And sobbing said, "my heart will break!"
Here Nanny, modest, mild, and shy,
Took Neddy gently by the sleeve;
"Aw just luik'd in as aw went by—
Is it not, thinks te, time to leave?"
"Now, Nan, what myeks th' fash me here,
Gan hyem and get the bairns to bed;
Thou knaws thou promis'd me ma beer
The verra neet before we wed."