THE PILGRIM AND THE PUBLICAN

Motueka Star, Volume II, Issue 96, 15 July 1902, Page 4

THE PILGRIM AND THE PUBLICAN

He came, tired, torn, and dirty,, from a wet : . and weary .tramp, f , A ' * His : boots jvere badly- broken, and fiisarag-. * a e gfed clothes were damp ’ ißut he looked in; face ana <hgure quite as’, > ; v ' haughty as the ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ Afe he strode in .gloomy’silence to the little ; private bar. ■ p;; vr )i Said he, w I want a pint of beer, my throat ife parched and dry, „ And when I’ve finished that one, then I’ll* wet the other eye ; , • v ' Splandlord bustle round A bit, dofi’t stare at me all day, But fill;the pint pot quickly, and blow the froth avvay.” - 1 The landlord looked down" upon the man, his gaze was most austere, Said he, My Wandering Willie, it appears . you want some beer, If I draw it can you pay me ?” Then his brows knit in a frown, “ Guess I Can,” said rags and tatters, and He planked a fiver down. Soon the landlord’s manner altered when ■ > he saw the little “ pile,” And his frown relaxed instanter to a fortytwo inch smile ; “John, John,” he shouted briskly, “cease your duties over there, Here’s a tired looking stranger, do be quick and bring a chair. “ Bring a couch and bring a cushion, stir your sturrips and look alive, Bring the feather bed and pillows you will find in number five ; We must rest the weary stranger for the credit of the town, And because (what’s more important) he • has planked a fiver down.” •0-mates, if you’re hungry, ragged, tired, and wet,- i And have no cash about you, it’s little help you’ll get; But when the merry jingle ot the sovereigns ' fills the air, Then }t’s “ John,'ther gent looks weary, go ' at once and bring the chair.” —Ho.mra, in Manukau Chronicle.