Page:Clifton Johnson - What They Say in New England.pdf/233

Old Songs  231

I have been to seek a wife,
She’s the joy of my life;
But she’s a young thing, and cannot leave her ma.

Can she sweep up the house, Billy Boy, Billy Boy?
Can she sweep up the house, charming Billy?
Yes; she can sweep up the house,
Quick’s a cat can catch a mouse;
But she’s a young thing, and cannot leave her ma.

Can she make mince-pies, Billy Boy, Billy Boy?
Can she make mince-pies, charming Billy?
Yes; she can make mince-pies
With a very few flies;

But she’s a young thing, and cannot leave her ma.

Second Version.

Can she make a pumpkin-pie, Billy Boy, Billy Boy?
Can she make a pumpkin-pie, charming Billy?
Yes; she can make a pumpkin-pie,

Quick’s a cat can wink its eye;