Page:A Selection of Original Songs, Scraps, Etc., by Ned Farmer (3rd ed.).djvu/132



The village affrighted, uprose as one man, Got the fire engine out, a most praiseworthy plan; And rung the bells backwards, which I don't admire, As it led to the notion the church was on fire.
 * In the midst of the row
 * Came up Belthard, I vow,

Saying, "I've seen the ghost—it's !

And so it turned out ; the old cow's back was sore From a hurt she received at Bob Repton's barn door, And the Cow Leech had plastered the place up quite neat With some wool, and some pitch, and a piece of old sheet;
 * And she, beyond doubt,
 * It was, wandering about.

Who believers in ghosts had thus put to the rout.

But where is bold Anthony Crump all this while? He lies knock'd out of time against Calloway's stile; They shake him, and pinch him, but Crump never stirr'd, Till the blacksmith said, "Crump, it was me that you heard';"
 * Then he opened his eyes
 * With a look of surprise.

Saying, "Honour, now, Belthard; you're not telling fibs?"

"Far from it, my friend," replied Belthard; "I went Just to see if you really had said what you meant. And was coming to say so, when, 'Murder!' you cried, And went off like a racehorse; that can't be denied,"
 * Neighbour kindness displa'd;
 * Crump to bed was convey'd.

But I shall not repeat the remarks his wife made.