A Settin’ Hen

When a hen is bound to set,

Seems as though ’tain’t etiket Dowsin’ her in water till She’s connected with a chill.

Seems as though ’twas skursely right Givin’ her a dreadful fright,

Tyin’ rags around her tail,

Poundin’ on an old tin pail,

Chasin’ her around the yard.

--Seems as though ’twas kind of hard Bein’ kicked and slammed and shooed ’Cause she wants to raise a brood.

I sh’d say it’s gettin’ gay Jest’cause natur’ wants its way.

--While ago my neighbor, Penn,

Started bustin’ up a hen;

Went to yank her off the nest,

Hen, though, made a peck and jest Grabbed his thumb-nail good and stout, Almost yanked the darn thing out.

Penn he twitched away and then Tried again to grab that hen.

But, by ginger, she had spunk ’Cause she took and nipped a junk Big’s a bean right out his palm,

Swallered it, and cool and calm Hi’sted up and yelled “Cah-dah,”

--Sounded like she said “Hoo-rah.”

Wal, sir, when that hen done that Penn he bowed, took off his hat,

--Spunk jest suits him, you can bet,

“Set,” says he, “gol darn ye, SET.”