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THE EXCISEMAN.
To a village that skirted the sea,
An Exciseman one midsummer came;
But prudence between you and me,
Forbids me to mention his name.
Soon Michael he chanc'd to espy,
A cask on his napper he bore,
With six gallons of brandy, Or nigh;
And where is the head can bear more?
An Exciseman one midsummer came;
But prudence between you and me,
Forbids me to mention his name.
Soon Michael he chanc'd to espy,
A cask on his napper he bore,
With six gallons of brandy, Or nigh;
And where is the head can bear more?
Says the Exciseman, Let's see your permit.
Says Mike, T'ant convenient to shew it.
T'other cried, Sir, I'm not to be bit,
You've smuggl'd that stuff, and you know it:
Your hogs to a fine market you've brought;
For seeing you've paid no excise,
As customs have settl'd you ought,
I seizes your tub as my prize.
Says Mike, T'ant convenient to shew it.
T'other cried, Sir, I'm not to be bit,
You've smuggl'd that stuff, and you know it:
Your hogs to a fine market you've brought;
For seeing you've paid no excise,
As customs have settl'd you ought,
I seizes your tub as my prize.
Now don't be so hard, said poor Mike:
Th’ Exciseman was deaf to complain.
Why then, take it, said Mike, if you like,
For I've borne it till ready to faint.
Four miles in hot sunshine they trudg'd,
Till on them they'd scarce a dry rag:
Th' Exciseman his labour ne'er grudg'd,
But cheerfully carried the cag.
Th’ Exciseman was deaf to complain.
Why then, take it, said Mike, if you like,
For I've borne it till ready to faint.
Four miles in hot sunshine they trudg'd,
Till on them they'd scarce a dry rag:
Th' Exciseman his labour ne'er grudg'd,
But cheerfully carried the cag.
