GRANDPA’S SOLILOQUY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 449, 23 January 1909, Page 3

GRANDPA’S SOLILOQUY.

It wasn’t so when I was young, We used plain language then ; We didn’t speak of “ them galoots,” When meaning boys and men. When speaking of the nice hand"

write Of Joe, or Tom, or Bill, We did it plain.—we didn’t say “ He slings a nasty quill.” Then wheu we met a good old

friend We hadn’t lately seen, We greeted him—but didn’t say, “ Hello, you old sardine.” The boys got mad sometimes and

tit; We spoke of kicks and blows ; But now they “ whack him in the

snout,” And “paste him ou the nose.” Once, when a youth was turned

away From her he held most dear, He walked off on his feet —but now He “crawls off on his ear.” We used to dance when I was young, , And used to call it so; But now they’ don’t —they only “sling The light fantastic toe.” Of death we spoke in language plain, That no one did perplex, But in these days one doesu’t die— He “ passes in his checks.” We praised a man of common

sense; "His judgment’s good,” we said. But now they say, “ Well, that old plum Has got a level head.” It’s rather sad the children now

Are learning all such talk; They’ve learned to chin ” instead

of chat, ’ And ‘ ‘ waltz ” instead, of walk. To little Harry yesterday— My grandchild, aged two — I said, “ You love grandpa.” Said

he, “You bet your boots I do.” The children bowed to strangers

once, It is no longer so — The little girls, as well as boys, Now greet you with “ hello!” Oh give me back the good old day 8

When both the old and young Conversed in plain, old-fashioned ways, And slang was never slung.