MY RUTHERS

I tell you what I'd ruther do —

Ef I only had my ruthers,—

I'd ruther work when I wanted to

Than be bossed round by others;—

I'd ruther kindo’ git the swing

O’ what was needed, first, I jing!

Afore I swet at anything!—

Ef I only had my ruthers;—

In fact I'd aim to be the same

With all men as my brothers;

And they'd all be the same with me —

Ef I only had my ruthers.

I would n't likely know it all —

Ef I only had my ruthers;—

I'd know some sense, and some base-ball —

Some old jokes, and — some others:

I'd know some politics, and‘ low

Some tarif-speeches same as now,

Then go hear Nye on “Branes and How

To Detect Theyr Presence.” T'others,

That stayed away, I'd let‘ em stay —

All my dissentin’ brothers

Could chuse as shore a kill er cuore,

Ef I only had my ruthers.

The pore‘ ud git theyr dues sometimes —

Ef I only had my ruthers,—

And be paid dollars‘ stid o’ dimes,

Fer childern, wives and mothers:

Theyr boy that slaves; theyr girl that sews —

Fer others — not herself, God knows!—

The grave's her only change of clothes!

... Ef I only had my ruthers,

They'd all have “stuff” and time enugh

To answer one-another's

Appealin’ prayer fer “lovin’ care” —

Ef I only had my ruthers.

They'd be few folks‘ ud ast fer trust,

Ef I only had my ruthers,

And blame few business-men to bu'st

Theyrselves, er harts of others:

Big Guns that come here durin’ Fair-

Week could put up jest anywhare,

And find a full-and-plenty thare,

Ef I only had my ruthers:

The rich and great‘ ud‘ sociate

With all theyr lowly brothers,

Feelin’ we done the honorun —

Ef I only had my ruthers.