A BALLAD OF REFRESHMENT

The lady stood at the station bar,

( Three currants in a bun )

And oh she was proud, as ladies are.

( And the bun was baked a week ago. )

For a weekly wage she was standing there,

( Three currants in a bun )

With a prominent bust and light gold hair.

( And the bun was baked a week ago. )

The express came in at half-past two,

( Three currants in a bun )

And there lighted a man in the navy blue.

( And the bun was baked a week ago. )

A stout sea-captain he was, I ween.

( Three currants in a bun )

Much travel had made him very keen.

( And the bun was baked a week ago. )

A sober man and steady was he.

( Three currants in a bun )

He called not for brandy, but called for tea.

( And the bun was baked a week ago. )

‘ Now something to eat, for the train is late.’

( Three currants in a bun )

She brought him a bun on a greasy plate.

( And the bun was baked a week ago. )

He left the bun, and he left the tea,

( Three currants in a bun )

She charged him a shilling and let him be,

And the train went on at a quarter to three.

( And the bun is old and weary. )