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In Other Words/John Jones, Clerk

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John Jones, Clerk
John Jones, he was a faithful clerk
As any now alive;
You’d always find him at his work
From eight o’clock till five.

Without a single minute’s loss
He worked the tedious days,
Till once he said: “I’ll strike the boss
For just a little raise.”

“Why, Jones,” replied the Leader then,
“How can you be so base?
Why, I could get a hundred men
To-day to take your place.”

So Jones apologized, and turned
Back to his daily books,
Until his nature fairly yearned
For fields and trees and brooks.

“I need a rest,” requested Jones,
“Please, sir, may I be spared?”
Whereat the Boss in honeyed tones
Accordingly declared:

“Why, John, old chap, I’d like to let
You off for half a year;
But how would this old business get
Along without you here?”