Page:A Selection of Original Songs, Scraps, Etc., by Ned Farmer (3rd ed.).djvu/128



"Matilda," he said, in a dolorous tone, "I am going to the Grange, love, and going alone, To dispose of the question, and that on the spot, Whether what haunts the Grange is a real ghost or not"
 * His wife, with asperity, answered him thus,
 * "I don't see at all that it matters to us
 * If the ghost that you speak of is false or is true,
 * Though it's haunting the Grange, man, it doesn't haunt you."

"What you say, my Matilda, no doubt is a fact, But I've given my word, and I cannot retract. Should I fall, as I may do—for Fate has no rule— Send Ann to her aunt's, and let Bob go to school.
 * Now, leave me my darling," he said, with a smile,
 * I wish to think o'er my affairs for awhile;
 * Oh, Matilda, remember, I've not made my will,
 * But it doesn't much matter, as my property's nil."

Wives are obedient creatures ever, Contradicting husbands never, So his rib went off", as she was told, Saying, "Ah! you'll catch a pretty cold."

Crump, to his thoughts thus left alone, (What those thoughts were shall ne'er be known), Did what I think you'll all admire, Lighted his pipe, and raked the fire;
 * Ensconced him in his old arm chair,
 * Drew his lean fingers through his hair,
 * Took at the glowing bars a stare,
 * And hoped the ghost would not be there.