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and declared that such a headpiece
- many a prince down there might envy;
- till the cob your father gave him,
- with a sledge to boot, in thanks
- for his pleasant, friendly talk.-
- Ah, but things went bravely then!
- Provost, captain, all the rest,
- dropped in daily, ate and drank,
- swilling, till they well-nigh burst.
- But 'tis need that tests one's neighbour.
- Still it grew and empty here
- from the day that "Gold-bag Jon"
- started with his pack, a pedlar.
- [Dries her eyes with her apron.]
- Ah, you're big and strong enough,
- you should be a staff and pillar
- for your mother's frail old age,-
- you should keep the farm-work going,
- guard the remnants of your gear;-
- [Crying again.]
- oh, God help me, small's the profit
- you have been to me, you scamp!
- Lounging by the hearth at home,
- grubbing in the charcoal embers;
- or, round all the country, frightening
- girls away from merry-makings-
- shaming me in all directions,
- fighting with the worst rapscallions-
PEER [turning away from her].
- Let me be.
ASE [following
