Poesy

Is my team ploughing

"Is my team ploughing,That I was used to driveAnd hear the harness jingleWhen I was man alive?"

Ay, the horses trample,The harness jingles now;No change though you lie underThe land you used to plough.

"Is football playingAlong the river shore,With lads to chase the leather,Now I stand up no more?"

Ay, the ball is flying,The lads play heart and soul;The goal stands up, the keeperStands up to keep the goal.

"Is my girl happy,That I thought hard to leave,And has she tired of weepingAs she lies down at eve?"

Ay, she lies down lightly,She lies not down to weep:Your girl is well contented.Be still, my lad, and sleep.

"Is my friend hearty,Now I am thin and pine,And has he found to sleep inA better bed than mine?"

Yes, lad, I lie easy,I lie as lads would choose;I cheer a dead man's sweetheart,Never ask me whose.

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Text from a public-domain print edition.