Page:Love Poems and Others.djvu/58

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An’ if it’s not true, I’d back my life
  They’ll listen to her tale.

Well, I’m believin’ no tale, Missis,
  I’m seein’ for my-sen;
An’ when I know for sure, Missis,
  I’ll talk then.

IV
Nay robin red-breast, tha nedna
  Sit noddin’ thy head at me;
My breast’s as red as thine, I reckon,
  Flayed red, if tha could but see.

Nay, you blessed pee-whips,
  You nedna screet at me!
I’m screetin’ my-sen, but are-na goin’
  To let iv’rybody see.

Tha art smock-ravelled, bunny,
  Larropin’ neck an’ crop
I’ th’ snow: but I’s warrant thee, bunny,
  I’m further ower th’ top.

V
Now sithee theer at th’ railroad crossin’
Warmin’ his-sen at the stool o’ fire
Under the tank as fills the ingines,
If there isn’t my dearly-beloved liar!

My constable wi’ ’is buttoned breast
As stout as the truth, my sirs!—An’ ’is face

xlvi.