Pieces People Ask For/When McGue puts the Baby to Sleep
WHEN McGUE PUTS THE BABY TO SLEEP.
We have a foine tinement, close be the bridge,
Wid three pairs of stairs and a farm.
The farm's on the roof, but it's ilegant just
For to kape the small childer from harm.
The railin' is high. Shure it's tired they get
From playin' "puss corner" an' "peep,"
An' 'twould do your heart good in the twilight to see
Ould McGue put the baby to sleep.
McGue is my man, an' a daisy he is,
For after the gas-house shuts down
He comes wid his pail (faith, the coal on his face
Gives the shake to the boys of the town).
Then he sits down wid me, an' his poipe, an' his chair,
Comfortable, cosey, an' deep,
Wid the kid in his arms; it would break you to see
Ould McGue put the baby to sleep.
He sings him the chune of "The Old Phwiskey Jug,"
An' juggles him up on his knee
As light as the mist from ould Erin's green turf
That floats from the bog to the sea.
Then the gossoon lies back like a king on his couch,
An' the shadows across his eyes creep;
I'll lay you a bet, it's a beautiful sight,
When McGue puts the baby to sleep.
Then the ould man says "Phwist!" as the first darling snore
He hears from the swate, sleeping child;
An' he steps to the cradle, as aisy as mud,
An' the drop of a pin makes him wild.
"The Virgin take care of that baby!" his prayer
Comes out of the heart low and deep;
It would kill the ould man if the kid should refuse
John McGue for to put him to sleep.