The songs of Joseph Mather

About eight or nine months ago
My mind was possess'd with sobriety,
All my acquaintances did know
I was in a friendly society,
But through a vile plot that was laid,
Unspeakable loss I sustained;
A cripple I got myself made,
And many an enemy gained.

CHORUS.

'Twas Buggy first led me astray
By promising me an old hatchet;
I think from his tedious delay
He never intends me to catch it.

I chanced to be chopping a stick,
The first day of last January,
When Buggy, employed by Old Nick,
Came down to our house brisk and airy;
He said if I would with him go,
A nice little hatchet he'd give me,
But little did I think or know
It was his intent to deceive me.

Then quickly I laid down my job,
And out of the house then he took me,
Forthwith to the head of the town
And into the Falcon he 'ticed me.
The kitchen was thoroughly lined
With people both jovial and pleasant;
Amongst them they kept me confined
Whilst Buggy went out for the present.

Then out of his pint made me drink,
As free and good-natured as could be,
Yet at the same time I did think
That was not the place where I should be.
They told me to ne'er mind the score,
And hop'd I would not be offended,
Whenever I went to the door
By two or three I was attended.

When Buggy saw how I was caught,
For fear I should think him ungrateful,
Instead of a hatchet he brought
Of roast beef and pickle a plateful.
They tossed the rum bottle about,
While I in their midst was surrounded,
And ere I could get myself out
I stay'd till my reason was drownded.

Then some of them ask'd for a song,
But for a long while I refused;
I had not sung one of so long,
I begg'd that I might be excused.
Yet harder and harder they press'd,
Some said for a song they would thank me,
So I took my turn with the rest,
And thus by their craft they unhank'd me.

[OMITTED]

University of Virginia Library

Song VI. BUGGY EYRE.

CHORUS.