AN UNAUTHORISED VERSION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1060, 22 June 1912, Page 4

AN UNAUTHORISED VERSION.

A tiny figure robed in white. She lisped her evening prayer— A much perplexed and harassed mite, For brother Jack was there, Whose impish interruptions Drove Devotion to despair.

“Now I lay me down to sleep’’ (I’se kneeling on my knees), “I pray the Lord my soul to keep,’’ (Jacky ! Stop it, please ! D’you ’spect that I can say my prayers When you’se a wicked tease ?”) “An’ if I die before I wake” (i’ll give you such a smack !) “I pray the Lord my soul to take.” (Just wait! I’ll pay you back ! If rauv-er finds you Lowing fings, You’ll catch it, bruv’er Jack !) “Fain I would to thee be brought” (I’se coming—wiv’ a shoe —) ; “Gracious Lord, forbid it not.” (It’s what I’se got to do, An’ spank you if you don’t leave off— I’se coming, Jacky—true !” “But in the Kingdom of Thy Grace” (He’s found my Teddy-bear !) “Give a little child a place.” (If Jacky isn't there —■ He’s sure to frovv the fings about An’ pull the angels’ hair.) “Make me, Lord, a gentle child” (Oh, Jack, you little brute !), “Patient, loving, meek and mild” (I’ll baug you wiv’ my boot! Just ’cos you knows me can’t get up You finks you’s drefflecute !) But ’lore I says my “Sake, Amen !” I’se going to pay you back, An’ you’ll be vevvy sorry, then, You’s pinched me blue and black ; “God, ’scuse me, please, a minute, While I kicks my bruv’r Jack !”

—Natal Witness.”