Page:Journal of American Folklore vol. 12.djvu/264

 252 yournal of American Folk-Lore.

Her father then answered young Johnny with speed ; " I thought you had courted my daughter indeed, And not the gray mare ; but since it is thus, My money once more I '11 put into my purse, And as for the bargain, I vow and declare I '11 keep both my daughter and Tid the gray mare."

The money then vanished out of his sight,

And so did fair Katie, his joy and delight,

And he like a woodchuck was turned out of doors (door),

Forbidden by them to come there any more.

Now Johnny began his locks for to tear,

And he wished that he *d never stood out for the mare.

About a year after, or little above,

He chanced to meet with Miss Katie, his love.

Said he, " My dear Katie, do not you know me ? " " If I mistake not, I have seen you," said she, " Or one of your likeness, with long yellow hair,

That once came a-courting to father's gray mare."

" 'Twas not to the mare a-courting I came, But only to you, my love, Katie by name, Not thinking your father would make a dispute, But giving with Katie the gray mare to boot ; But rather than lose such a dutiful son, — Well, it 's over, — and I 'm sorry for what I have done."

"Your sorrow," says Katie, " I value it not, There are young men enough in this world to be got, And surely that gal must be at her last prayer, Who would marry a man that once courted a mare. And as for the prize, I think it not great, So fare you well, Johnny ; go mourn for your fate." 1

The physician furnishes almost as congenial a theme for satire as as does the miller.

Old Doctor Grey.

" Mr. A, friend B is sick, Call the doctor and be quick." The doctor comes with right good will, And never forgets his calomel.

He takes his patient by the hand, Compliments him as a man, Sets him down his pulse to feel, And then deals out his calomel.

1 Contributed by E. S. Dixwell, Cambridge, Mass. Sung about 1820.

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