A Shropshire Lad by A. E. Housman
page 51 of 67 (76%)
page 51 of 67 (76%)
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'Prenticed to my father's trade,
Had I stuck to plane and adze, I had not been lost, my lads." "Then I might have built perhaps Gallows-trees for other chaps, Never dangled on my own, Had I but left ill alone." "Now, you see, they hang me high, And the people passing by Stop to shake their fists and curse; So 'tis come from ill to worse." "Here hang I, and right and left Two poor fellows hang for theft: All the same's the luck we prove, Though the midmost hangs for love." "Comrades all, that stand and gaze, Walk henceforth in other ways; See my neck and save your own: Comrades all, leave ill alone." "Make some day a decent end, Shrewder fellows than your friend. Fare you well, for ill fare I: Live, lads, and I will die." |
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