Classic Poem

There was Jim Treglown, a brave chap was he
As ever shot pilchard nets out to sea.
He could tell 'ee clean off what ought to be,
Could Jimmie Treglown.

And 'twas Pedder Polsue from Plymouth way —
He was always ready to have his say.
" I am more than a match for Jim any day, "
Says Pedder Polsue.

They was down 'pon Mevagissey Quay,
A passle of chaps, when Pedder says he,
" Now, Jimmie, my son, here's a sum for thee, "
Says Pedder Polsue.

" I'll give 'ee two minutes to do it, come —
'Tis a fine and easy little sum,
And 'tisn't a failin' o' yours to be dumb, "
Says Pedder Polsue.

" A chap took three herrin's out of a cask,
" Three ha'pence," says he, " is the charge I ask."
How much for a shilling? and that's the task. "
Says Pedder Polsue.

" 'Tis Devon 'gainst Cornwall, so now fair play,
Two minutes I'll give 'ee, so hurry away;
Ley us gone for to see who'll win the day, "
Says Pedder Polsue.

Now Jimmie Treglown he scratched his head,
" Don't let en beat 'ee, " the Cornishman said.
Poor Jimmie, the face of him turned quite red,
Did Jimmie Treglown.

" Two minutes is up and Jimmie don't knaw, "
Says Pedder Polsue. Says the Cornishman " Aw! "
And Jimmie Treglown scratched his head, and " Law! "
Says Jimmie Treglown.

And Pedder Polsue he laughed with glee,
" 'Tis a half-penny each, and don't you see
That's eighteen for a shilling, seemin' to me, "
Says Pedder Polsue.

Then Jimmie turned round, " Was it herrings you said?
I know that o' herrings , of course, but instead
Of herrings 'twas pilchards I got in my head, "
Says Jimmie Treglown.