Ballad—in the Long Odds

A SAYING 'twas, when I was young, That golden carts take hay in; And in my ears my mother rung, Oft times this self same saying. My dad, who, the main chance did think, Of human cares the dearest, Would cry, whene'er thou goest to drink, The deepest stream's the clearest.

I had an uncle, and his saw Was take and never render, And this he gave me as a law, While yet my years were tender. My aunt had her good adage too, Who also was my tutor: Says she, whoever comes to woo, A dower's a handsome suitor.

Let me good sir, add mine to theirs, Tell not your name for nothing, A rule I've found in all affairs, Meat, washing, drink, and cloathing. My girl, who has her parent's knack, For maxims adds a right one; No crows are found that are not black, Yet a rich crow's a white one.