The songs of Joseph Mather

Last night, past ten, nigh half an hour,
There coming on a heavy shower,
I stepped aside while it did pour,
Into a lonesome entry.
There through a broken pane of glass,
Surprised I saw both Nell and Jos,
Who were beyond description cross,
Throng fighting in the pantry.

Bold Jos was strip'd unto his buff,
With hair untied, exceeding rough,
And Nell, whose nose was daub'd with snuff,
With her long nails did rake him.
She got both hands into his wool,
Against the door she dash'd his skull,
Although he roar'd like some town bull,
Most soundly did she shake him.

Then Nell for want of strength and wind
To give it out she was inclined,—
Then Jos began to speak his mind,
And told her of her gallants.
His hide from wounds had been as free
If drawn through some thick hawthorn tree,
A man worse flogg'd I ne'er did see,—
Which made him curse her talons.

Before poor Jos put on his shirt
She cast him out amongst the dirt,
His forehead broke, his nose ill hurt,—
When she her strength regained.
I help'd him up and took him in,
And quickly Nell's warm heart did win;
She dress'd his wounds and wash'd his skin,
And thus to me complained:—

To-morrow being Sabbath day,
For meat and flour we have to pay,
Tobacco, sugar, soap, and tea,
And likewise coals and milk, sir.
The half year's rent is just at hand,
And different debts upon demand,
I'm fit upon my head to stand—
Since no man I can bilk, sir.

This night for us, and three in bed,
He's only brought a poor sheep's head;
One shilling, and three cakes of bread
Is all in our possession.
Since Jos has took no better care
The wool and horns shall be his share,
Unless he'll eat the bones when bare
For this his past transgression.

University of Virginia Library

Song VII. NELL AND JOS.