Page:Early poems of William Morris.djvu/192



So many reapers, Father John,

So many reapers and no little son,

To meet you when the day is done,

With little stiff legs to waddle and run?

Pray you beg, borrow, or steal one son.

Hurrah for the corn-sheaves of Father John!

O maiden Mary, be wary, be wary!

And go not down to the river,

Lest the kingfisher, your evil wisher,

Lure you down to the river,

Lest your white feet grow muddy,

Your red hair too ruddy

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