Poems and Songs :: :: University of Virginia Library

I am a lad of wax,
And a gallant man to boot, oh;
Though my skill in hemp and tacks
Is trodden under foot, oh;
When I was young, my eyes were bright,
And few could then resist 'em,
Though now there's but a waning light
In my poor solar system.

II

Last Spring, I took a wife,
And when I went to woo her,
I vowed to stick through life
Like cobbler's wax unto her:

I thought the parson's look was sly,
Whilst waiting for my tether;
And I saw a twinkle in his eye,
As he stitched us up together.

III

I took her to my cot,
To love her and to cherish;
I thought my married lot
The happiest in the parish;
At first, the days ran sweetly by,
And all was sunny weather;
And, we buckled to, my love and I,
Like sole and upper leather.

IV

Her voice was low and mild,
My winsome little Nancy;
She was gentle as a child;
At least I so did fancy;
My heart was hers, and oft I said
I ne'er in aught could thwart her;
But, before I'd been a twelve-month wed,
I found I'd caught a Tartar.

V

Now oft the waves ran high,
And nasty winds were screaming;
And Nancy's vixen-cry
Awoke me from my dreaming;

I sometimes wished she was a man,
Because she needed welting;
Yet one kind word from my dear Nan
Would set my heart a-melting.

VI

I took her to my heart,
When we were tacked together;
And now, we'll never part,
In spite of changeful weather:
For, now and then, we do agree,
And, though she's sometimes snarling,
To my last hour, my Nan shall be
The fond old cobbler's darling.