Classic Poem

A SPRIG of sage-brush I've brought to you
From the prairies of the West;
I know 'tis the season for mistletoe,
But I thought — well, you know best!
Perhaps, however, you'll listen awhile
And ponder the matter well;
And render your judgment afterward
On the tale I've got to tell.

I sing no song of knightly might,
Or deed of warrior brave,
Or tell of exploit nobly dared
A woman's fame to save;
All these, and more, 'tis my delight
To reverence with you;
But that there're other kinds of pluck
As great, I think is true.

'Twas early days in Medicine Lodge
On the road to No Man's Land,
When men played high, and settled games
With a gun in either hand.
When iron nerves and a steady eye
Were trumps when a row began,
And the reputation greatly prized
Of having killed one's man.

And the man whose reputation stood
Head-high above the rest
Was Isaac Walton — Ike for short —
The terror of the West.
No bully he, but quick and sure,
And tenacious of his right;
And no man ever saw him run
Or dodge the deadliest fight.

And very proud of Ike was this,
And his reputation kept
Unsullied save by those who short
Within the graveyard slept!
Until one night old Morris Smith,
Before a crowd of men,
Gave me the lie, and dared him shoot —
Not once, but thrice again!

A hush such as had not been known
For many a year and long —
Since lonely winds moaned o'er the spot —
Fell on that waiting throng!
And then — that hand of cruel aim,
That hand that ne'er before
Was known to falter — dropped , and Ike
Strode thro' the open door!

Next day a horseman far from town
Met Isaac — Ike for short —
And, trembling much, asked him if there
Was truth in the report.
" Thar mebbe — yes — I run, " said Ike,
" " My reputation?" Lost!
" Why did I do it?" — wall, yer see,
I kinder thought the cost

" Of old Smith's life ter them kids o'his
A ruther steep price ter pay
Fer a repertation I kin git
In a damned sight cheaper way! "
I've brought this sprig of sage-brush here,
Tho' it should be mistletoe;
But don't you think I have an excuse?
Just think — and let me know!