Page:Poems - Southey (1799) volume 2.djvu/212

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And if she did not reach her home at night,She laid down in the stable with her assesAnd slept as sound as they did.HARRY.With her asses!GRANDMOTHER.Yes, and she loved her beasts. For tho' poor wretchShe was a terrible reprobate and sworeLike any trooper, she was always goodTo the dumb creatures, never loaded themBeyond their strength, and rather I believeWould stint herself than let the poor beasts want,Because, she said, they could not ask for food.I never saw her stick fall heavier on themThan just with its own weight. She little thoughtThis tender-heartedness would be her death!There was a fellow who had oftentimes,As if he took delight in cruelty,Ill-used her asses. He was one who livedBy smuggling, and, for she had often met him
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