I.
And Willy, my eldest-born, is gone, you say, little Anne?
Ruddy and white, and strong on his legs, he looks like a man.
And Willys wife has written: she never was over-wise,
Never the wife for Willy: he wouldnt take my advice.
II.
For, Annie, you see, her father was not the man to save,
Hadnt a head to manage, and drank himself into his grave.
Pretty enough, very pretty! but I was against it for one.
Eh!but he wouldnt hear meand Willy, you say, is gone.
III.
Willy, my beauty, my eldest-born, the flower of the flock;
Never a man could fling him: for Willy stood like a rock.
Heres a leg for a babe of a week! says doctor; and he would be bound,
There was not his like that year in twenty parishes round.
IV.
Strong of his hands, and st...