The Knife-Grinder of Caen

"L'homme qui passe," in France they call The man who thrives By grinding knives— Who never stays at home at all,

But always must be moving on. He's glad to find Some knives to grind, But when they're finished he'll be gone.

With dog behind to turn the wheel, He grinds the knife For farmer's wife, And pauses now the edge to feel:

The dog behind him hears the sound Of cheerful chat On this and that, And fears no knife is being ground.

The man makes jokes with careless smile, He doesn't mind The dog behind, But goes on talking all the while.