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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


PENELOPE by FRANCIS BRET HARTE

Poet Analysis

First Line: SO YOU'VE KEM 'YER AGEN
Last Line: CHEER, IF YOU CHOOSE, -- LORD, WHERE'S SAL!

SO you've kem 'yer agen,
And one answer won't do?
Well, of all the derned men
That I've struck, it is you.
O Sal! 'yer's that derned fool from Simpson's, cavortin'
round 'yer in the dew.

Kem in, ef you will.
Thar, -- quit! Take a cheer.
Not that; you can't fill
Them theer cushings this year, --
For that cheer was my old man's, Joe Simpson, and they
don't make such men about 'yer.

He was tall, was my Jack,
And as strong as a tree.
Thar's his gun on the rack, --
Jest you heft it, and see.
And you come a courtin' his widder. Lord! where can that
critter, Sal, be!

You'd fill my Jack's place?
And a man of your size, --
With no baird to his face,
Nor a snap to his eyes, --
And nary -- Sho! thar! I was foolin', -- I was, Joe, for
sartain, -- don't rise.

Sit down. Law! why, sho!
I'm as weak as a gal,
Sal! Don't you go, Joe,
Or I'll faint, -- sure, I shall.
Sit down, -- anywheer, where you like, Joe, -- in that
cheer, if you choose, -- Lord, where's Sal!



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