Classic Poem

There was a jolly shepherd lad,
And Colin was his name,
And all unknown to her old dad,
He sometimes to see Peggy came —
The object of his flame.

One day of his absence too secure,
Her father thunder'd at the door,
When, fearing of his frown,
Says she, " dear love the chimney climb;"
" I can't," cries he, " there is not time
" Besides, I should tumble down."

II.

What could they do, ta'en unawares?
They thought, and thought again;
In closets underneath the stairs
To hide himself 'twere all in vain,
He'd soon be found, 'twere plain:

" Get up the chimney, love, you must,"
Cried she, " or else the door he'll burst,
" I would not for a crown;"
Young Colin seeing but this shift,
E'en mounted up — Peg lent a lift,
And cry'd, " don't tumble down."

III.

With throbbing heart, now to the door,
Poor Peggy runs in haste;
Thinking to trick her father sure:
But haste, the proverb says, makes waste,
Which proverb's here well plac'd.

Her father scolded her his best,
Call'd names, and said, among the rest,
" Pray have you seen that clown?"
She scarce had time to answer no,
When, black all over as a crow,
Poor Colin tumbled down.