Four Comic Songs/Washing Day
Washing Day.
The sky with clouds was overcast,The rain began to fall,My wife she beat the children,And raised a pretty squall:She bade me, with a scolding look,To get out of the way;The de'il a bit of comfort is thereOn the washing day.
For it is thump, thump, scold, scold,Thump thump away;The de'il a bit of comfort is thereOn a washing day.
My Kate she is a bonny wife,There's none more free from evil,Except upon a washing day,And then she is the devil:The very kittens on the hearthThy dare not even tplay;Away they jump with many a thump,Upon a washing day.For its thump, thump, &c.
A friend of mine once asked me,"How long's poor Kate been dead?"Lamenting the good creature,And sorry I was wed To such a scolding vixen,Whilst he had been as sea:The truth it was he chanced to comeUpon a washing day.For it is thump thump, &c.
I asked him to stay and dine,—"Come, come," said I, "odds bud!I'll no denial take—you shall,Though Kate is in the suds."But what he had to dine uponIn faith I shall not say;But I'll wager he'll no come againUpon a washing day.For it is thump, thump, &c.
On that sad morning when I rise,I make a fervent prayerUnto the gods, that it may beThroughout the day quite fair;That not a gown or handkerchiefMay in the ditch be laid;For should it happen so, egad,I should catch a broken head.For it is thump, thump, &c.