But now they're all hatin' another,
And that one's the minister's wife.

But still, all their cackle unheedin',
She goes, in her ladylike way,
A-givin' the poor what they're needing
And helpin' the church every day:
Our numbers each Sunday is swelling
And real, true religion is rife,
And sometimes I feel like a-yellin',
"Three cheers fer the minister's wife!"

* * * * *

[Illustration: "'Well, now, I vum! I know, by gum! I'm right because
I _be_!'"]

THE VILLAGE ORACLE

* * * * *

"_I am Sir Oracle, and when I ope my lips let no dog bark!_"

* * * * *

Old Dan'l Hanks he says this town
Is jest the best on earth;
He says there ain't one, up nor down,
That's got one half her worth;
He says there ain't no other state