THE VILLAGE BLACKSMITH.

Digger (Invercargill RSA), Issue 2, 26 March 1920, Page 12

THE VILLAGE BLACKSMITH.

By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Channing Pollock.

— (Modern Version.)

Unde a.spreading chestnut tree The village smithy stands ; The smith, a wealthy man is he, With diamonds on his hands; And the bracelets sported by his wife Are broad as iron bands. His roll is crisp, and green, and thick, | He calls his chauffeur Dan ; His brow is dry beneath a highPriced hat that shades his paai; And he looks the whole world in the fac®> And sasses any man. Week in, week out, from ten till fiv'8 He hears the hooters blow ; Automobiles, with wabbly Wheels, That do not want to go, Pay tribute to his doubtful skill — >'■ And the tribute's never low! He drives to town most ev'ry eve, And goes out with the boys; He hears the latest jazz with n:eals, J He hears the soubrette'ssvoice H Singing in the cabaret, And it makes his heart rejoice. Toiliug Avhen theres' naught else to do, ■ Onward through life he goes; Each morning sees him open shop, And very promptly close; Something attempted, something done, M Has earaed a night' s repose. n ' Thanks, thanks to thee, my worthy f"en ' vl For the lesson thou hast taugh • )■ Thus in a job that serves the mo Our fortupes must be wrought ; , H Since now we pay so much a day For ev'xy thing but thought! , I __"Saturday P°sU ■