Says the master to me, "Is it true, I am told Your name on the books of the Union enrolled; I can never allow that a workman of mine With wicked disturbers of peace should combine.' Says I to the master, "It's perfectly true That I am in the Union, and I'll stick to it too, And if between Union and you I must choose, I have plenty to win and little to lose. "For twenty years mostly my bread has been dry, And to butter it now I shall certainly try; And though I respect you, remember I'm free, No master in England shall trample on me.' Says the master to me, "A word or two more. We never have quarrelled on matters before. If you stick to the Union, ere long I'll be bound, You will come and ask me for more wages all round. "Now I cannot afford more than two bob a day When I look at the taxes and rent that I pay, And the crops are so injured by game as you see, If it is hard for you it's hard also for me.' Says I to the master, "I do not see how Any need has arisen for quarrelling now, And though likely enough we shall ask for more wage I can promise you we shall not get first in a rage.' | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...HIS OWNE EPITAPH by FRANCOIS VILLON THE GRAVE OF A POETESS by FELICIA DOROTHEA HEMANS TO HIS WINDING-SHEET by ROBERT HERRICK THE LADDER OF SAINT AUGUSTINE by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW TO GOD AND IRELAND TRUE by ELLEN O'LEARY PEARLS OF THE FAITH: 39. AL-HAFIZ by EDWIN ARNOLD |