Page:Lyrical ballads, Volume 1, Wordsworth, 1800.djvu/172

120 She prefaced half a hint of this

With, "God forbid it should be true!"

At the first word that Susan said

Cried Betty, rising from the bed,

"Susan, I'd gladly stay with you.

"I must be gone, I must away,

"Consider, Johnny's but half-wise;

"Susan, we must take care of him,

"If he is hurt in life or limb"—

"Oh God forbid!" poor Susan cries.

"What can I do?" says Betty, going,

"What can I do to ease your pain?

"Good Susan tell me, and I'll stay;

"I fear you're in a dreadful way,

"But I shall soon be back again."