Back Aa

Cowboy Songs and Other Frontier Ballads

THE U-S-U RANGE (p. 092) O come cowboys and listen to my song, I'm in hopes I'll please you and not keep you long; I'll sing you of things you may think strange About West Texas and the U-S-U range. You may go to Stamford and there see a man Who wears a white shirt and is asking for hands; You may ask him for work and he'll answer you short, He will hurry you up, for he wants you to start. He will put you in a wagon and be off in the rain, You will go up on Tongue River on the U-S-U range. You will drive up to the ranch and there you will stop. It's a little sod house with dirt all on top. You will ask what it is and they will tell you out plain That it's the ranch house on the U-S-U range. You will go in the house and he will begin to explain; You will see some blankets rolled up on the floor; You may ask what it is and they will tell you out plain That it is the bedding on the U-S-U range. You (p. 093) are up in the morning at the daybreak To eat cold beef and U-S-U steak, And out to your work no matter if it's rain,— And that is the life on the U-S-U range. You work hard all day and come in at night, And turn your horse loose, for they say it's all right, And set down to supper and begin to complain Of the chuck that you eat on the U-S-U range. The grub that you get is beans and cold rice And U-S-U steak cooked up very nice; And if you don't like that you needn't complain, For that's what you get on the U-S-U range. Now, kind friends, I must leave you, I no longer can remain, I hope I have pleased you and given you no pain. But when I am gone, don't think me strange, For I have been a cow-puncher on the U-S-U range. I'M A GOOD OLD REBEL (p. 094) Oh, I'm a good old rebel, that's what I am; And for this land of freedom, I don't care a damn, I'm glad I fought agin her, I only wish we'd won, And I don't axe any pardon for anything I've done. I served with old Bob Lee, three years about, Got wounded in four places and starved at Point Lookout; I caught the rheumatism a-campin' in the snow, But I killed a chance of Yankees and wish I'd killed some mo'. For I'm a good old rebel, etc. I hate the constitooshin, this great republic too; I hate the mouty eagle, an' the uniform so blue; I hate their glorious banner, an' all their flags an' fuss, Those lyin', thievin' Yankees, I hate 'em wuss an' wuss. For I'm a good old rebel, etc. I won't be re-constructed! I'm better now than them; And (p. 095) for a carpet-bagger, I don't give a damn; So I'm off for the frontier, soon as I can go, I'll prepare me a weapon and start for Mexico. For I'm a good old rebel, etc. THE COWBOY (p. 096) All day long on the prairies I ride, Not even a dog to trot by my side; My fire I kindle with chips gathered round, My coffee I boil without being ground. I wash in a pool and wipe on a sack; I carry my wardrobe all on my back; For want of an oven I cook bread in a pot, And sleep on the ground for want of a cot. My ceiling is the sky, my floor is the grass, My music is the lowing of the herds as they pass; My books are the brooks, my sermons the stones, My parson is a wolf on his pulpit of bones. And then if my cooking is not very complete You can't blame me for wanting to eat. But show me a man that sleeps more profound Than the big puncher-boy who stretches himself on the ground. My books teach me ever consistence to prize, My sermons, that small things I should not despise; My parson remarks from his pulpit of bones That fortune favors those who look out for their own. And (p. 097) then between me and love lies a gulf very wide. Some lucky fellow may call her his bride. My friends gently hint I am coming to grief, But men must make money and women have beef. But Cupid is always a friend to the bold, And the best of his arrows are pointed with gold. Society bans me so savage and dodge That the Masons would ball me out of their lodge. If I had hair on my chin, I might pass for the goat That bore all the sins in the ages remote; But why it is I can never understand, For each of the patriarchs owned a big brand. Abraham emigrated in search of a range, And when water was scarce he wanted a change; Old Isaac owned cattle in charge of Esau, And Jacob punched cows for his father-in-law. He started in business way down at bed rock, And made quite a streak at handling stock; Then David went from night-herding to using a sling; And, winning the battle, he became a great king. Then the shepherds, while herding the sheep on a hill, Got a message from heaven of peace and goodwill. BILL PETERS, THE STAGE DRIVER (p. 100) Bill Peters was a hustler From Independence town; He warn't a college scholar Nor man of great renown, But Bill had a way o' doing things And doin' 'em up brown. Bill driv the stage from Independence Up to the Smokey Hill; And everybody knowed him thar As Independence Bill,— Thar warn't no feller on the route That driv with half the skill. Bill driv four pair of horses, Same as you'd drive a team, And you'd think you was a-travelin' On a railroad driv by steam; And he'd git thar on time, you bet, Or Bill 'u'd bust a seam. He carried mail and passengers, And he started on the dot, And them teams o' his'n, so they say, Was never known to trot; But they went it in a gallop And kept their axles hot. When (p. 101) Bill's stage 'u'd bust a tire, Or something 'u'd break down, He'd hustle round and patch her up And start off with a bound; And the wheels o' that old shack o' his Scarce ever touched the ground. And Bill didn't low no foolin', And when Inguns hove in sight And bullets rattled at the stage, He druv with all his might; He'd holler, "Fellers, give 'em hell, I ain't got time to fight." Then the way them wheels 'u'd rattle, And the way the dust 'u'd fly, You'd think a million cattle, Had stampeded and gone by; But the mail 'u'd get thar just the same, If the horses had to die. He driv that stage for many a year Along the Smokey Hill, And a pile o' wild Comanches Did Bill Peters have to kill,— And I reckon if he'd had good luck He'd been a drivin' still. But he chanced one day to run agin A bullet made o' lead, Which (p. 102) was harder than he bargained for And now poor Bill is dead; And when they brung his body home A barrel of tears was shed. HARD TIMES (p. 103) Come listen a while and I'll sing you a song Concerning the times—it will not be long— When everybody is striving to buy, And cheating each other, I cannot tell why,— And it's hard, hard times. From father to mother, from sister to brother, From cousin to cousin, they're cheating each other. Since cheating has grown to be so much the fashion, I believe to my soul it will run the whole Nation,— And it's hard, hard times. Now there is the talker, by talking he eats, And so does the butcher by killing his meats. He'll toss the steelyards, and weigh it right down, And swear it's just right if it lacks forty pounds,— And it's hard, hard times. And there is the merchant, as honest, we're told. Whatever he sells you, my friend, you are sold; Believe what I tell you, and don't be surprised To find yourself cheated half out of your eyes,— And it's hard, hard times. And (p. 104) there is the lawyer you plainly will see, He will plead your case for a very large fee, He'll law you and tell you the wrong side is right, And make you believe that a black horse is white,— And it's hard, hard times. And there is the doctor, I like to forgot, I believe to my soul he's the worst of the lot; He'll tell you he'll cure you for half you possess, And when you're buried he'll take all the rest,— And it's hard, hard times. And there's the old bachelor, all hated with scorn, He's like an old garment all tattered and torn, The girls and the widows all toss him a sigh, And think it quite right, and so do I,— And it's hard, hard times. And there's the young widow, coquettish and shy, With a smile on her lips and a tear in her eye, But when she gets married she'll cut quite a dash, She'll give him the reins and she'll handle the cash,— And it's hard, hard times. And there's the young lady I like to have missed, And I believe to my soul she'd like to be kissed; She'll tell you she loves you with all pretence And ask you to call again some time hence,— And it's hard, hard times. And (p. 105) there's the young man, the worst of the whole. Oh, he will tell you with all of his soul, He'll tell you he loves you and for you will die, And when he's away he will swear it's a lie,— And it's hard, hard times. COLE YOUNGER (p. 106) Am one of a band of highwaymen, Cole Younger is my name; My crimes and depredations have brought my friends to shame; The robbing of the Northfield Bank, the same I can't deny, For now I am a prisoner, in the Stillwater jail I lie. 'Tis of a bold, high robbery, a story to you I'll tell, Of a California miner who unto us befell; We robbed him of his money and bid him go his way, For which I will be sorry until my dying day. And then we started homeward, when brother Bob did say: "Now, Cole, we will buy fast horses and on them ride away. We will ride to avenge our father's death and try to win the prize; We will fight those anti-guerrillas until the day we die." And then we rode towards Texas, that good old Lone Star State, But on Nebraska's prairies the James boys we did meet; With (p. 107) knives, guns, and revolvers we all sat down to play, A-drinking of good whiskey to pass the time away. A Union Pacific railway train was the next we did surprise, And the crimes done by our bloody hands bring tears into my eyes. The engineerman and fireman killed, the conductor escaped alive, And now their bones lie mouldering beneath Nebraska's skies. Then we saddled horses, northwestward we did go, To the God-forsaken country called Min-ne-so-te-o; I had my eye on the Northfield bank when brother Bob did say, "Now, Cole, if you undertake the job, you will surely curse the day." But I stationed out my pickets and up to the bank did go, And there upon the counter I struck my fatal blow. "Just hand us over your money and make no further delay, We are the famous Younger brothers, we spare no time to pray." MISSISSIPPI GIRLS (p. 108) Come, all you Mississippi girls, and listen to my noise, If you happen to go West, don't you marry those Texian boys; For if you do, your fortune will be Cold jonny-cake and beefsteak, that's all that you will see,— Cold jonny-cake and beefsteak, that's all that you will see. When they go courting, here's what they wear: An old leather coat, and it's all ripped and tore; And an old brown hat with the brim tore down, And a pair of dirty socks, they've worn the winter round. When one comes in, the first thing you hear Is, "Madam, your father has killed a deer"; And the next thing they say when they sit down Is, "Madam, the jonny-cake is too damned brown." They live in a hut with hewed log wall, But it ain't got any windows at all; With a clap-board roof and a puncheon floor, And that's the way all Texas o'er. They (p. 109) will take you out on a live-oak hill And there they will leave you much against your will. They will leave you on the prairie, starve you on the plains, For that is the way with the Texians,— For that is the way with the Texians. When they go to preaching let me tell you how they dress; Just an old black shirt without any vest, Just an old straw hat more brim than crown And an old sock leg that they wear the winter round,— And an old sock leg that they wear the winter round. For your wedding supper, there'll be beef and cornbread; There it is to eat when the ceremony's said. And when you go to milk you'll milk into a gourd; And set it in the corner and cover it with a board; Some gets little and some gets none, For that is the way with the Texians,— For that is the way with the Texians. THE OLD MAN UNDER THE HILL (p. 110) There was an old man who lived under the hill, Chir-u-ra-wee, lived under the hill, And if he ain't dead he's living there still, Chir-u-ra-wee, living there still. One day the old man went out to plow, Chir-u-ra-wee, went out to plow; 'Tis good-bye the old fellow, and how are you now, Sing chir-u-ra-wee, and how are you now. And then another came to his house, Chir-u-ra-wee, came to his house; "There's one of your family I've got to have now, Sing chir-u-ra-wee, got to have now. "It's neither you nor your oldest son, Chir-u-ra-wee, nor your oldest son." "Then take my old woman and take her for fun, Sing chir-u-ra-wee, take her for fun." He takened her all upon his back, Chir-u-ra-wee, upon his back, And like an old rascal went rickity rack, Sing chir-u-ra-wee, went rickity rack. But when he got half way up the road, Chir-u-ra-wee, up the road, Says (p. 111) he, "You old lady, you're sure a load," Sing chir-u-ra-wee, you're sure a load. He set her down on a stump to rest, Chir-u-ra-wee, stump to rest; She up with a stick and hit him her best. Sing chir-u-ra-wee, hit him her best. He taken her on to hell's old gate, Chir-u-ra-wee, hell's old gate, But when he got there he got there too late, Sing chir-u-ra-wee, got there too late. And so he had to keep his wife, Chir-u-ra-wee, had to keep his wife, And keep her he did for the rest of his life. Sing chir-u-ra-wee, for the rest of his life. JERRY, GO ILE THAT CAR (p. 112) Come all ye railroad section men an' listen to my song, It is of Larry O'Sullivan who now is dead and gone. For twinty years a section boss, he niver hired a tar— Oh, it's "j'int ahead and cinter back, An' Jerry, go ile that car!" For twinty years a section boss, he niver hired a tar, But it's "j'int ahead an cinter back, An' Jerry, go ile that car-r-r!" For twinty years a section boss, he worked upon the track, And be it to his cred-i-it he niver had a wrack. For he kept every j'int right up to the p'int wid the tap of the tampin-bar-r-r; And while the byes was a-swimmin' up the ties, It's "Jerry, wud yez ile that car-r-r!" God rest ye, Larry O'Sullivan, to me ye were kind and good; Ye always made the section men go out and chop me wood; An' fetch me wather from the well an' chop me kindlin' fine; And (p. 113) any man that wouldn't lind a hand, 'twas Larry give him his Time. And ivery Sunday morni-i-ing unto the gang he'd say: "Me byes, prepare—yez be aware the ould lady goes to church the day. Now, I want ivery man to pump the best he can, for the distance it is far-r-r; An' we have to get in ahead of number tin— So, Jerry, go an' ile that car-r-r!" 'Twas in November in the winter time and the ground all covered wid snow, "Come put the hand-car-r-r on the track an' over the section go!" Wid his big soger coat buttoned up to his t'roat, all weathers he would dare— An' it's "Paddy Mack, will yez walk the track, An' Jerry, go an' ile that car-r-r!" "Give my respects to the roadmas-ther," poor Larry he did cry, "An lave me up that I may see the ould hand-car before I die. Come, j'int ahead an' cinter back, An' Jerry, go an' ile that car-r-r!" Then lay the spike maul upon his chist, the gauge, and the ould claw-bar-r-r, And while the byes do be fillin' up his grave, "Oh, Jerry, go an' ile that car-r-r!" JOHN GARNER'S TRAIL HERD (p. 114) Come all you old timers and listen to my song; I'll make it short as possible and I'll not keep you long; I'll relate to you about the time you all remember well When we, with old Joe Garner, drove a beef herd up the trail. When we left the ranch it was early in the spring, We had as good a corporal as ever rope did swing, Good hands and good horses, good outfit through and through,— We went well equipped, we were a jolly crew. We had no little herd—two thousand head or more— And some as wild a brush beeves as you ever saw before. We swung to them all the way and sometimes by the tail,— Oh, you know we had a circus as we all went up the trail. All things went on well till we reached the open ground, And then them cattle turned in and they gave us merry hell. They (p. 115) stampeded every night that came and did it without fail,— Oh, you know we had a circus as we all went up the trail. We would round them up at morning and the boss would make a count, And say, "Look here, old punchers, we are out quite an amount; You must make all losses good and do it without fail Or you will never get another job of driving up the trail." When we reached Red River we gave the Inspector the dodge. He swore by God Almighty, in jail old John should lodge. We told him if he'd taken our boss and had him locked in jail, We would shore get his scalp as we all came down the trail. When we reached the Reservation, how squirmish we did feel, Although we had tried old Garner and knew him true as steel. And if we would follow him and do as he said do, That old bald-headed cow-thief would surely take us through. When (p. 116) we reached Dodge City we drew our four months' pay. Times was better then, boys, that was a better day. The way we drank and gambled and threw the girls around,— "Say, a crowd of Texas cowboys has come to take our town." The cowboy sees many hardships although he takes them well; The fun we had upon that trip, no human tongue can tell. The cowboy's life is a dreary life, though his mind it is no load, And he always spends his money like he found it in the road. If ever you meet old Garner, you must meet him on the square, For he is the biggest cow-thief that ever tramped out there. But if you want to hear him roar and spin a lively tale, Just ask him about the time we all went up the trail. THE OLD SCOUT'S LAMENT (p. 117) Come all of you, my brother scouts, And join me in my song; Come, let us sing together Though the shadows fall so long. Of all the old frontiersmen That used to scour the plain, There are but very few of them That with us yet remain. Day after day they're dropping off, They're going one by one; Our clan is fast decreasing, Our race is almost run. There were many of our number That never wore the blue, But, faithfully, they did their part, As brave men, tried and true. They never joined the army, But had other work to do In piloting the coming folks, To help them safely through. But, brothers, we are falling, Our race is almost run; The (p. 118) days of elk and buffalo And beaver traps are gone. Oh, the days of elk and buffalo! It fills my heart with pain To know these days are past and gone To never come again. We fought the red-skin rascals Over valley, hill, and plain; We fought him in the mountain top, And fought him down again. These fighting days are over; The Indian yell resounds No more along the border; Peace sends far sweeter sounds. But we found great joy, old comrades, To hear, and make it die; We won bright homes for gentle ones, And now, our West, good-bye. THE LONE BUFFALO HUNTER (p. 119) It's of those Texas cowboys, a story I'll tell; No name I will mention though in Texas they do dwell. Go find them where you will, they are all so very brave, And when in good society they seldom misbehave. When the fall work is all over in the line-camp they'll be found, For they have to ride those lonesome lines the long winter round; They prove loyal to a comrade, no matter what's to do; And when in love with a fair one they seldom prove untrue. But springtime comes at last and finds them glad and gay; They ride out to the round-up about the first of May; About the first of August they start up the trail, They have to stay with the cattle, no matter rain or hail. But when they get to the shipping point, then they receive their tens, Straightway to the bar-room and gently blow them in; It's (p. 120) the height of their ambition, so I've been truly told, To ride good horses and saddles and spend the silver and gold. Those last two things I've mentioned, it is their heart's desire, And when they leave the shipping point, their eyes are like balls of fire. It's of those fighting cattle, they seem to have no fear, A-riding bucking broncos oft is their heart's desire. They will ride into the branding pen, a rope within their hands, They will catch them by each forefoot and bring them to the sands; It's altogether in practice with a little bit of sleight, A-roping Texas cattle, it is their heart's delight. But now comes the rising generation to take the cowboy's place, Likewise the corn-fed granger, with his bold and cheeky face; It's on those plains of Texas a lone buffalo hunter does stand To tell the fate of the cowboy that rode at his right hand. THE CROOKED TRAIL TO HOLBROOK (p. 121) Come all you jolly cowboys that follow the bronco steer, I'll sing to you a verse or two your spirits for to cheer; It's all about a trip, a trip that I did undergo On that crooked trail to Holbrook, in Arizona oh. It's on the seventeenth of February, our herd it started out, It would have made your hearts shudder to hear them bawl and shout, As wild as any buffalo that ever rode the Platte, Those dogies we were driving, and every one was fat. We crossed the Mescal Mountains on the way to Gilson Flats, And when we got to Gilson Flats, Lord, how the wind did blow; It blew so hard, it blew so fierce, we knew not where to go, But our spirits never failed us as onward we did go,— On that crooked trail to Holbrook, in Arizona oh. That night we had a stampede; Christ, how the cattle run! We (p. 122) made it to our horses; I tell you, we had no fun; Over the prickly pear and catclaw brush we quickly made our way; We thought of our long journey and the girls we'd left one day. It's long by Sombserva we slowly punched along, While each and every puncher would sing a hearty song To cheer up his comrade as onward we did go, On that crooked trail to Holbrook, in Arizona oh. We crossed the Mongollen Mountains where the tall pines do grow, Grass grows in abundance, and rippling streams do flow; Our packs were always turning, of course our gait was slow, On that crooked trail to Holbrook, in Arizona oh. At last we got to Holbrook, a little gale did blow; It blew up sand and pebble stones and it didn't blow them slow. We had to drink the water from that muddy little stream And swallowed a peck of dirt when we tried to eat a bean. But the cattle now are shipped and homeward we are bound With (p. 123) a lot of as tired horses as ever could be found; Across the reservation no danger did we fear, But thought of wives and sweethearts and the ones we love so dear. Now we are back in Globe City, our friendship there to share; Here's luck to every puncher that follows the bronco steer. ONLY A COWBOY (p. 124) Away out in old Texas, that great lone star state, Where the mocking bird whistles both early and late; It was in Western Texas on the old N A range The boy fell a victim on the old staked plains. He was only a cowboy gone on before, He was only a cowboy, we will never see more; He was doing his duty on the old N A range But now he is sleeping on the old staked plains. His crew they were numbered twenty-seven or eight, The boys were like brothers, their friendship was great, When "O God, have mercy" was heard from behind,— The cattle were left to drift on the line. He leaves a dear wife and little ones, too, To earn them a living, as fathers oft do; For while he was working for the loved ones so dear He was took without warning or one word of cheer. And while he is sleeping where the sun always shines, The boys they go dashing along on the line; The look on their faces it speaks to us all Of one who departed to the home of the soul. He (p. 125) was only a cowboy gone on before, He was only a cowboy, we will never see more; He was doing his duty on the old N A range But now he is sleeping on the old staked plains. FULLER AND WARREN (p. 126) Ye sons of Columbia, your attention I do crave, While a sorrowful story I do tell, Which happened of late, in the Indiana state, And a hero not many could excel; Like Samson he courted, made choice of the fair, And intended to make her his wife; But she, like Delilah, his heart did ensnare, Which cost him his honor and his life. A gold ring he gave her in token of his love, On the face was the image of the dove; They mutually agreed to get married with speed And were promised by the powers above. But the fickle-minded maiden vowed again to wed To young Warren who lived in that place; It was a fatal blow that caused his overthrow And added to her shame and disgrace. When Fuller came to hear he was deprived of his dear Whom he vowed by the powers to wed, With his heart full of woe unto Warren he did go, And smilingly unto him he said: "Young man, you have injured me to gratify your cause By reporting that I left a prudent wife; Acknowledge (p. 127) now that you have wronged me, for although I break the laws, Young Warren, I'll deprive you of your life." Then Warren, he replied: "Your request must be denied, For your darling to my heart she is bound; And further I can say that this is our wedding day, In spite of all the heroes in town." Then Fuller in the passion of his love and anger bound,— Alas! it caused many to cry,— At one fatal shot killed Warren on the spot, And smilingly said, "I'm ready now to die." The time was drawing nigh when Fuller had to die; He bid the audience adieu. Like an angel he did stand, for he was a handsome man, On his breast he had a ribbon of blue. Ten thousand spectators did smite him on the breast, And the guards dropped a tear from the eye, Saying, "Cursed be she who caused this misery, Would to God in his stead she had to die." The gentle god of Love looked with anger from above And the rope flew asunder like the sand. Two doctors for the pay they murdered him, they say, They (p. 128) hung him by main strength of hand. But the corpse it was buried and the doctors lost their prey, Oh, that harlot was bribed, I do believe; Bad women to a certainty are the downfall of men, As Adam was beguiled by Eve. THE TRAIL TO MEXICO (p. 132) I made up my mind to change my way And quit my crowd that was so gay, To leave my native home for a while And to travel west for many a mile. Whoo-a-whoo-a-whoo-a-whoo. 'Twas all in the merry month of May When I started for Texas far away, I left my darling girl behind,— She said her heart was only mine. Whoo-a-whoo-a-whoo-a-whoo. Oh, it was when I embraced her in my arms I thought she had ten thousand charms; Her caresses were soft, her kisses were sweet, Saying, "We will get married next time we meet." Whoo-a-whoo-a-whoo-a-whoo. It was in the year of eighty-three That A.J. Stinson hired me. He says, "Young fellow, I want you to go And drive this herd to Mexico." Whoo-a-whoo-a-whoo-a-whoo. The (p. 133) first horse they gave me was an old black With two big set-fasts on his back; I padded him with gunny-sacks and my bedding all; He went up, then down, and I got a fall. Whoo-a-whoo-a-whoo-a-whoo. The next they gave me was an old gray, I'll remember him till my dying day. And if I had to swear to the fact, I believe he was worse off than the black. Whoo-a-whoo-a-whoo-a-whoo. Oh, it was early in the year When I went on trail to drive the steer. I stood my guard through sleet and snow While on the trail to Mexico. Whoo-a-whoo-a-whoo-a-whoo. Oh, it was a long and lonesome go As our herd rolled on to Mexico; With laughter light and the cowboy's song To Mexico we rolled along. Whoo-a-whoo-a-whoo-a-whoo. When I arrived in Mexico I wanted to see my love but could not go; So (p. 134) I wrote a letter, a letter to my dear, But not a word from her could I hear. Whoo-a-whoo-a-whoo-a-whoo. When I arrived at the once loved home I called for the darling of my own; They said she had married a richer life, Therefore, wild cowboy, seek another wife. Whoo-a-whoo-a-whoo-a-whoo. Oh, the girl she is married I do adore, And I cannot stay at home any more; I'll cut my way to a foreign land Or I'll go back west to my cowboy band. Whoo-a-whoo-a-whoo-a-whoo. I'll go back to the Western land, I'll hunt up my old cowboy band,— Where the girls are few and the boys are true And a false-hearted love I never knew. Whoo-a-whoo-a-whoo-a-whoo. "O Buddie, O Buddie, please stay at home, Don't be forever on the roam. There is many a girl more true than I, So pray don't go where the bullets fly." Whoo-a-whoo-a-whoo-a-whoo. "It's (p. 135) curse your gold and your silver too, God pity a girl that won't prove true; I'll travel West where the bullets fly, I'll stay on the trail till the day I die." Whoo-a-whoo-a-whoo-a-whoo. THE HORSE WRANGLER (p. 136) I thought one spring just for fun I'd see how cow-punching was done, And when the round-ups had begun I tackled the cattle-king. Says he, "My foreman is in town, He's at the plaza, and his name is Brown, If you'll see him, he'll take you down." Says I, "That's just the thing." We started for the ranch next day; Brown augured me most all the way. He said that cow-punching was nothing but play, That it was no work at all,— That all you had to do was ride, And only drifting with the tide; The son of a gun, oh, how he lied. Don't you think he had his gall? He put me in charge of a cavyard, And told me not to work too hard, That all I had to do was guard The horses from getting away; I had one hundred and sixty head, I sometimes wished that I was dead; When one got away, Brown's head turned red, And there was the devil to pay. Sometimes (p. 137) one would make a break, Across the prairie he would take, As if running for a stake,— It seemed to them but play; Sometimes I could not head them at all, Sometimes my horse would catch a fall And I'd shoot on like a cannon ball Till the earth came in my way. They saddled me up an old gray hack With two set-fasts on his back, They padded him down with a gunny sack And used my bedding all. When I got on he quit the ground, Went up in the air and turned around, And I came down and busted the ground,— I got one hell of a fall. They took me up and carried me in And rubbed me down with an old stake pin. "That's the way they all begin; You're doing well," says Brown. "And in the morning, if you don't die, I'll give you another horse to try." "Oh say, can't I walk?" says I. Says he, "Yes, back to town." I've traveled up and I've traveled down, I've traveled this country round and round, I've lived in city and I've lived in town, But (p. 138) I've got this much to say: Before you try cow-punching, kiss your wife, Take a heavy insurance on your life, Then cut your throat with a barlow knife,— For it's easier done that way. CALIFORNIA JOE (p. 139) Well, mates, I don't like stories; Or am I going to act A part around the campfire That ain't a truthful fact? So fill your pipes and listen, I'll tell you—let me see— I think it was in fifty, From that till sixty-three. You've all heard tell of Bridger; I used to run with Jim, And many a hard day's scouting I've done longside of him. Well, once near old Fort Reno, A trapper used to dwell; We called him old Pap Reynolds, The scouts all knew him well. One night in the spring of fifty We camped on Powder River, And killed a calf of buffalo And cooked a slice of liver. While eating, quite contented, I heard three shots or four; Put out the fire and listened,— We heard a dozen more. We (p. 140) knew that old man Reynolds Had moved his traps up here; So picking up our rifles And fixing on our gear We moved as quick as lightning, To save was our desire. Too late, the painted heathens Had set the house on fire. We hitched our horses quickly And waded up the stream; While down close beside the waters I heard a muffled scream. And there among the bushes A little girl did lie. I picked her up and whispered, "I'll save you or I'll die." Lord, what a ride! Old Bridger Had covered my retreat; Sometimes that child would whisper In voice low and sweet, "Poor Papa, God will take him To Mama up above; There is no one left to love me, There is no one left to love." The little one was thirteen And I was twenty-two; I says, "I'll be your father And (p. 141) love you just as true." She nestled to my bosom, Her hazel eyes so bright, Looked up and made me happy,— The close pursuit that night. One month had passed and Maggie, We called her Hazel Eye, In truth was going to leave me, Was going to say good-bye. Her uncle, Mad Jack Reynolds, Reported long since dead, Had come to claim my angel, His brother's child, he said. What could I say? We parted, Mad Jack was growing old; I handed him a bank note And all I had in gold. They rode away at sunrise, I went a mile or two, And parting says, "We will meet again; May God watch over you." By a laughing, dancing brook A little cabin stood, And weary with a long day's scout, I spied it in the wood. The pretty valley stretched beyond, The mountains towered above, And (p. 142) near its willow banks I heard The cooing of a dove. 'Twas one grand pleasure; The brook was plainly seen, Like a long thread of silver In a cloth of lovely green; The laughter of the water, The cooing of the dove, Was like some painted picture, Some well-told tale of love. While drinking in the country And resting in the saddle, I heard a gentle rippling Like the dipping of a paddle, And turning to the water, A strange sight met my view,— A lady with her rifle In a little bark canoe. She stood up in the center, With her rifle to her eye; I thought just for a second My time had come to die. I doffed my hat and told her, If it was just the same, To drop her little shooter, For I was not her game. She (p. 143) dropped the deadly weapon And leaped from the canoe. Says she, "I beg your pardon; I thought you was a Sioux. Your long hair and your buckskin Looked warrior-like and rough; My bead was spoiled by sunshine, Or I'd have killed you sure enough." "Perhaps it would've been better If you'd dropped me then," says I; "For surely such an angel Would bear me to the sky." She blushingly dropped her eyelids, Her cheeks were crimson red; One half-shy glance she gave me And then hung down her head. I took her little hand in mine; She wondered what it meant, And yet she drew it not away, But rather seemed content. We sat upon the mossy bank, Her eyes began to fill; The brook was rippling at our feet, The dove was cooing still. 'Tis strong arms were thrown around her. "I'll save you or I'll die." I clasped her to my bosom, My (p. 144) long lost Hazel Eye. The rapture of that moment Was almost heaven to me; I kissed her 'mid the tear-drops, Her merriment and glee. Her heart near mine was beating When sobbingly she said, "My dear, my brave preserver, They told me you were dead. But oh, those parting words, Joe, Have never left my mind, You said, 'We'll meet again, Mag,' Then rode off like the wind. "And oh, how I have prayed, Joe, For you who saved my life, That God would send an angel To guide you through all strife. The one who claimed me from you, My Uncle, good and true, Is sick in yonder cabin; Has talked so much of you. "'If Joe were living darling,' He said to me last night, 'He would care for you, Maggie, When God puts out my light.'" We found the old man sleeping. "Hush, Maggie, let him rest." The (p. 145) sun was slowly setting In the far-off, glowing West. And though we talked in whispers He opened wide his eyes: "A dream, a dream," he murmured; "Alas, a dream of lies." She drifted like a shadow To where the old man lay. "You had a dream, dear Uncle, Another dream to-day?" "Oh yes, I saw an angel As pure as mountain snow, And near her at my bedside Stood California Joe." "I'm sure I'm not an angel, Dear Uncle, that you know; These hands that hold your hand, too, My face is not like snow. "Now listen while I tell you, For I have news to cheer; Hazel Eye is happy, For Joe is truly here." It was but a few days after The old man said to me, "Joe, boy, she is an angel, And good as angels be. "For (p. 146) three long months she hunted, And trapped and nursed me too; God bless you, boy, I believe it, She's safe along with you." The sun was slowly sinking, When Maggie, my wife, and I Went riding through the valley, The tear-drops in her eye. "One year ago to-day, Joe, I saw the mossy grave; We laid him neath the daisies, My Uncle, good and brave." And comrade, every springtime Is sure to find me there; There is something in the valley That is always fresh and fair. Our love is always kindled While sitting by the stream, Where two hearts were united In love's sweet happy dream. THE BOSTON BURGLAR (p. 147) I was born in Boston City, a city you all know well, Brought up by honest parents, the truth to you I'll tell, Brought up by honest parents and raised most tenderly, Till I became a roving man at the age of twenty-three. My character was taken then, and I was sent to jail. My friends they found it was in vain to get me out on bail. The jury found me guilty, the clerk he wrote it down, The judge he passed me sentence and I was sent to Charleston town. You ought to have seen my aged father a-pleading at the bar, Also my dear old mother a-tearing of her hair, Tearing of her old gray locks as the tears came rolling down, Saying, "Son, dear son, what have you done, that you are sent to Charleston town?" They put me aboard an eastbound train one cold December day, And (p. 148) every station that we passed, I'd hear the people say, "There goes a noted burglar, in strong chains he'll be bound,— For the doing of some crime or other he is sent to Charleston town." There is a girl in Boston, she is a girl that I love well, And if I ever gain my liberty, along with her I'll dwell; And when I regain my liberty, bad company I will shun, Night-walking, gambling, and also drinking rum. Now, you who have your liberty, pray keep it if you can, And don't go around the streets at night to break the laws of man; For if you do you'll surely rue and find yourself like me, A-serving out my twenty-one years in the penitentiary. SAM BASS (p. 149) Sam Bass was born in Indiana, it was his native home, And at the age of seventeen young Sam began to roam. Sam first came out to Texas a cowboy for to be,— A kinder-hearted fellow you seldom ever see. Sam used to deal in race stock, one called the Denton mare, He matched her in scrub races, and took her to the Fair. Sam used to coin the money and spent it just as free, He always drank good whiskey wherever he might be. Sam left the Collin's ranch in the merry month of May With a herd of Texas cattle the Black Hills for to see, Sold out in Custer City and then got on a spree,— A harder set of cowboys you seldom ever see. On their way back to Texas they robbed the U.P. train, And then split up in couples and started out again. Joe Collins and his partner were overtaken soon, With all their hard-earned money they had to meet their doom. Sam (p. 150) made it back to Texas all right side up with care; Rode into the town of Denton with all his friends to share. Sam's life was short in Texas; three robberies did he do, He robbed all the passenger, mail, and express cars too. Sam had four companions—four bold and daring lads— They were Richardson, Jackson, Joe Collins, and Old Dad; Four more bold and daring cowboys the rangers never knew, They whipped the Texas rangers and ran the boys in blue. Sam had another companion, called Arkansas for short, Was shot by a Texas ranger by the name of Thomas Floyd; Oh, Tom is a big six-footer and thinks he's mighty fly, But I can tell you his racket,—he's a deadbeat on the sly. Jim Murphy was arrested, and then released on bail; He (p. 151) jumped his bond at Tyler and then took the train for Terrell; But Mayor Jones had posted Jim and that was all a stall, 'Twas only a plan to capture Sam before the coming fall. Sam met his fate at Round Rock, July the twenty-first, They pierced poor Sam with rifle balls and emptied out his purse. Poor Sam he is a corpse and six foot under clay, And Jackson's in the bushes trying to get away. Jim had borrowed Sam's good gold and didn't want to pay, The only shot he saw was to give poor Sam away. He sold out Sam and Barnes and left their friends to mourn,— Oh, what a scorching Jim will get when Gabriel blows his horn. And so he sold out Sam and Barnes and left their friends to mourn, Oh, what a scorching Jim will get when Gabriel blows his horn. Perhaps he's got to heaven, there's none of us can say, But if I'm right in my surmise he's gone the other way. THE ZEBRA DUN (p. 154) We were camped on the plains at the head of the Cimarron When along came a stranger and stopped to arger some. He looked so very foolish that we began to look around, We thought he was a greenhorn that had just 'scaped from town. We asked if he had been to breakfast; he hadn't had a smear, So we opened up the chuck-box and bade him have his share. He took a cup of coffee and some biscuits and some beans, And then began to talk and tell about foreign kings and queens,— About the Spanish war and fighting on the seas With guns as big as steers and ramrods big as trees,— And about old Paul Jones, a mean, fighting son of a gun, Who was the grittiest cuss that ever pulled a gun. Such an educated feller his thoughts just came in herds, He (p. 155) astonished all them cowboys with them jaw-breaking words. He just kept on talking till he made the boys all sick, And they began to look around just how to play a trick. He said he had lost his job upon the Santa Fé And was going across the plains to strike the 7-D. He didn't say how come it, some trouble with the boss, But said he'd like to borrow a nice fat saddle hoss. This tickled all the boys to death, they laughed way down in their sleeves,— "We will lend you a horse just as fresh and fat as you please." Shorty grabbed a lariat and roped the Zebra Dun And turned him over to the stranger and waited for the fun. Old Dunny was a rocky outlaw that had grown so awful wild That he could paw the white out of the moon every jump for a mile. Old Dunny stood right still,—as if he didn't know,— Until he was saddled and ready for to go. When the stranger hit the saddle, old Dunny quit the earth And (p. 156) traveled right straight up for all that he was worth. A-pitching and a-squealing, a-having wall-eyed fits, His hind feet perpendicular, his front ones in the bits. We could see the tops of the mountains under Dunny every jump, But the stranger he was growed there just like the camel's hump; The stranger sat upon him and curled his black mustache Just like a summer boarder waiting for his hash. He thumped him in the shoulders and spurred him when he whirled, To show them flunky punchers that he was the wolf of the world. When the stranger had dismounted once more upon the ground, We knew he was a thoroughbred and not a gent from town; The boss who was standing round watching of the show, Walked right up to the stranger and told him he needn't go,— "If you can use the lasso like you rode old Zebra Dun, You (p. 157) are the man I've been looking for ever since the year one." Oh, he could twirl the lariat and he didn't do it slow, He could catch them fore feet nine out of ten for any kind of dough. And when the herd stampeded he was always on the spot And set them to nothing, like the boiling of a pot. There's one thing and a shore thing I've learned since I've been born, That every educated feller ain't a plumb greenhorn. THE BUFFALO SKINNERS (p. 158) Come all you jolly fellows and listen to my song, There are not many verses, it will not detain you long; It's concerning some young fellows who did agree to go And spend one summer pleasantly on the range of the buffalo. It happened in Jacksboro in the spring of seventy-three, A man by the name of Crego came stepping up to me, Saying, "How do you do, young fellow, and how would you like to go And spend one summer pleasantly on the range of the buffalo?" "It's me being out of employment," this to Crego I did say, "This going out on the buffalo range depends upon the pay. But if you will pay good wages and transportation too, I think, sir, I will go with you to the range of the buffalo." "Yes, (p. 159) I will pay good wages, give transportation too, Provided you will go with me and stay the summer through; But if you should grow homesick, come back to Jacksboro, I won't pay transportation from the range of the buffalo." It's now our outfit was complete—seven able-bodied men, With navy six and needle gun—our troubles did begin; Our way it was a pleasant one, the route we had to go, Until we crossed Pease River on the range of the buffalo. It's now we've crossed Pease River, our troubles have begun. The first damned tail I went to rip, Christ! how I cut my thumb! While skinning the damned old stinkers our lives wasn't a show, For the Indians watched to pick us off while skinning the buffalo. He fed us on such sorry chuck I wished myself most dead, It was old jerked beef, croton coffee, and sour bread. Pease (p. 160) River's as salty as hell fire, the water I could never go,— O God! I wished I had never come to the range of the buffalo. Our meat it was buffalo hump and iron wedge bread, And all we had to sleep on was a buffalo robe for a bed; The fleas and gray-backs worked on us, O boys, it was not slow, I'll tell you there's no worse hell on earth than the range of the buffalo. Our hearts were cased with buffalo hocks, our souls were cased with steel, And the hardships of that summer would nearly make us reel. While skinning the damned old stinkers our lives they had no show, For the Indians waited to pick us off on the hills of Mexico. The season being near over, old Crego he did say The crowd had been extravagant, was in debt to him that day,— We coaxed him and we begged him and still it was no go,— We left old Crego's bones to bleach on the range of the buffalo. Oh, (p. 161) it's now we've crossed Pease River and homeward we are bound, No more in that hell-fired country shall ever we be found. Go home to our wives and sweethearts, tell others not to go, For God's forsaken the buffalo range and the damned old buffalo. <h4>Range of the Buffalo (p. 162)</h4> MACAFFIE'S CONFESSION (p. 164) Now come young men and list to me, A sad and mournful history; And may you ne'er forgetful be Of what I tell this day to thee. Oh, I was thoughtless, young, and gay And often broke the Sabbath day, In wickedness I took delight And sometimes done what wasn't right. I'd scarcely passed my fifteenth year, My mother and my father dear Were silent in their deep, dark grave, Their spirits gone to Him who gave. 'Twas on a pleasant summer day When from my home I ran away And took unto myself a wife, Which step was fatal to my life. Oh, she was kind and good to me As ever woman ought to be, And might this day have been alive no doubt, Had I not met Miss Hatty Stout. Ah, well I mind the fatal day When Hatty stole my heart away; 'Twas (p. 165) love for her controlled my will And did cause me my wife to kill. 'Twas on a brilliant summer's night When all was still; the stars shone bright. My wife lay still upon the bed And I approached to her and said: "Dear wife, here's medicine I've brought, For you this day, my love, I've bought. I know it will be good for you For those vile fits,—pray take it, do." She cast on me a loving look And in her mouth the poison took; Down by her infant on the bed In her last, long sleep she laid her head. Oh, who could tell a mother's thought When first to her the news was brought; The sheriff said her son was sought And into prison must be brought. Only a mother standing by To hear them tell the reason why Her son in prison, he must lie Till on the scaffold he must die. My father, sixty years of age, The best of counsel did engage, To (p. 166) see if something could be done To save his disobedient son. So, farewell, mother, do not weep, Though soon with demons I will sleep, My soul now feels its mental hell And soon with demons I will dwell. <hr class="small"> The sheriff cut the slender cord, His soul went up to meet its Lord; The doctor said, "The wretch is dead, His spirit from his body's fled." His weeping mother cried aloud, "O God, do save this gazing crowd, That none may ever have to pay For gambling on the Sabbath day." LITTLE JOE, THE WRANGLER (p. 167) It's little Joe, the wrangler, he'll wrangle never more, His days with the remuda they are o'er; 'Twas a year ago last April when he rode into our camp,— Just a little Texas stray and all alone,— On a little Texas pony he called "Chaw." With his brogan shoes and overalls, a tougher kid You never in your life before had saw. His saddle was a Texas "kak," built many years ago, With an O.K. spur on one foot lightly swung; His "hot roll" in a cotton sack so loosely tied behind, And his canteen from his saddle-horn was swung. He said that he had to leave his home, his pa had married twice; And his new ma whipped him every day or two; So he saddled up old Chaw one night and lit a shuck this way, And he's now trying to paddle his own canoe. He said if we would give him work, he'd do the best he could, Though he didn't know straight up about a cow; So (p. 168) the boss he cut him out a mount and kindly put him on, For he sorta liked this little kid somehow. Learned him to wrangle horses and to try to know them all, And get them in at daylight if he could; To follow the chuck-wagon and always hitch the team, And to help the cocinero rustle wood. We had driven to the Pecos, the weather being fine; We had camped on the south side in a bend; When a norther commenced blowin', we had doubled up our guard, For it taken all of us to hold them in. Little Joe, the wrangler, was called out with the rest; Though the kid had scarcely reached the herd, When the cattle they stampeded, like a hailstorm long they fled, Then we were all a-ridin' for the lead. 'Midst the streaks of lightin' a horse we could see in the lead, 'Twas Little Joe, the wrangler, in the lead; He was riding Old Blue Rocket with a slicker o'er his head, A tryin' to check the cattle in their speed. At last we got them milling and kinda quieted down, And the extra guard back to the wagon went; But (p. 169) there was one a-missin' and we knew it at a glance, 'Twas our little Texas stray, poor Wrangling Joe. The next morning just at day break, we found where Rocket fell, Down in a washout twenty feet below; And beneath the horse, mashed to a pulp,—his spur had rung the knell,— Was our little Texas stray, poor Wrangling Joe. HARRY BALE (p. 172) Come all kind friends and kindred dear and Christians young and old, A story I'll relate to you, 'twill make your blood run cold; 'Tis all about an unfortunate boy who lived not far from here, In the township of Arcade in the County of Lapeer. It seems his occupation was a sawyer in a mill, He followed it successfully two years, one month, until, Until this fatal accident that caused many to weep and wail; 'Twas where this young man lost his life,—his name was Harry Bale. On the 29th of April in the year of seventy-nine, He went to work as usual, no fear did he design; In lowering of the feed bar throwing the carriage into gear It brought him down upon the saw and cut him quite severe; It cut him through the collar-bone and half way down the back, It threw him down upon the saw, the carriage coming back. He (p. 173) started for the shanty, his strength was failing fast; He said, "Oh, boys, I'm wounded: I fear it is my last." His brothers they were sent for, likewise his sisters too, The doctors came and dressed his wound, but kind words proved untrue. Poor Harry had no father to weep beside his bed, No kind and loving mother to sooth his aching head. He was just as gallant a young man as ever you wished to know, But he withered like a flower, it was his time to go. They placed him in his coffin and laid him in his grave; His brothers and sisters mourned the loss of a brother so true and brave. They took him to the graveyard and laid him away to rest, His body lies mouldering, his soul is among the blest. FOREMAN MONROE (p. 174) Come all you brave young shanty boys, and list while I relate Concerning a young shanty boy and his untimely fate; Concerning a young river man, so manly, true and brave; 'Twas on a jam at Gerry's Rock he met his watery grave; 'Twas on a Sunday morning as you will quickly hear, Our logs were piled up mountain high, we could not keep them clear. Our foreman said, "Come on, brave boys, with hearts devoid of fear, We'll break the jam on Gerry's Rock and for Agonstown we'll steer." Now, some of them were willing, while others they were not, All for to work on Sunday they did not think they ought; But six of our brave shanty boys had volunteered to go And break the jam on Gerry's Rock with their foreman, young Monroe. They (p. 175) had not rolled off many logs 'till they heard his clear voice say, "I'd have you boys be on your guard, for the jam will soon give way." These words he'd scarcely spoken when the jam did break and go, Taking with it six of those brave boys and their foreman, young Monroe. Now when those other shanty boys this sad news came to hear, In search of their dead comrades to the river they did steer; Six of their mangled bodies a-floating down did go, While crushed and bleeding near the banks lay the foreman, young Monroe. They took him from his watery grave, brushed back his raven hair; There was a fair form among them whose cries did rend the air; There was a fair form among them, a girl from Saginaw town. Whose cries rose to the skies for her lover who'd gone down. Fair Clara was a noble girl, the river-man's true friend; She and her widowed mother lived at the river's bend; And (p. 176) the wages of her own true love the boss to her did pay, But the shanty boys for her made up a generous sum next day. They buried him quite decently; 'twas on the first of May; Come all you brave young shanty boys and for your comrade pray. Engraved upon the hemlock tree that by the grave does grow Is the aged date and the sad fate of the foreman, young Monroe. Fair Clara did not long survive, her heart broke with her grief; And less than three months afterwards Death came to her relief; And when the time had come and she was called to go, Her last request was granted, to be laid by young Monroe. Come all you brave young shanty boys, I'd have you call and see Two green graves by the river side where grows a hemlock tree; The shanty boys cut off the wood where lay those lovers low,— 'Tis the handsome Clara Vernon and her true love, Jack Monroe. THE DREARY BLACK HILLS (p. 177) Kind friends, you must pity my horrible tale, I am an object of pity, I am looking quite stale, I gave up my trade selling Right's Patent Pills To go hunting gold in the dreary Black Hills. Don't go away, stay at home if you can, Stay away from that city, they call it Cheyenne, For big Walipe or Comanche Bills They will lift up your hair on the dreary Black Hills. The round-house in Cheyenne is filled every night With loafers and bummers of most every plight; On their backs is no clothes, in their pockets no bills, Each day they keep starting for the dreary Black Hills. I got to Cheyenne, no gold could I find, I thought of the lunch route I'd left far behind; Through rain, hail, and snow, frozen plumb to the gills,— They call me the orphan of the dreary Black Hills. Kind friend, to conclude, my advice I'll unfold, Don't go to the Black Hills a-hunting for gold; Railroad speculators their pockets you'll fill By taking a trip to those dreary Black Hills. Don't (p. 178) go away, stay at home if you can, Stay away from that city, they call it Cheyenne, For old Sitting Bull or Comanche Bills They will take off your scalp on the dreary Black Hills. A MORMON SONG (p. 182) I used to live on Cottonwood and owned a little farm, I was called upon a mission that gave me much alarm; The reason that they called me, I'm sure I do not know. But to hoe the cane and cotton, straightway I must go. I yoked up Jim and Baldy, all ready for the start; To leave my farm and garden, it almost broke my heart; But at last we got started, I cast a look behind, For the sand and rocks of Dixie were running through my mind. Now, when we got to Black Ridge, my wagon it broke down, And I, being no carpenter and forty miles from town,— I cut a clumsy cedar and rigged an awkward slide, But the wagon ran so heavy poor Betsy couldn't ride. While Betsy was out walking I told her to take care, When all of a sudden she struck a prickly pear, Then she began to hollow as loud as she could bawl,— If I were back in Cottonwood, I wouldn't go at all. Now, (p. 183) when we got to Sand Ridge, we couldn't go at all, Old Jim and old Baldy began to puff and loll, I cussed and swore a little, for I couldn't make the route, For the team and I and Betsy were all of us played out. At length we got to Washington; I thought we'd stay a while To see if the flowers would make their virgin smile, But I was much mistaken, for when we went away The red hills of September were just the same in May. It is so very dreary, there's nothing here to cheer, But old pathetic sermons we very often hear; They preach them by the dozens and prove them by the book, But I'd sooner have a roasting-ear and stay at home and cook. I am so awful weary I'm sure I'm almost dead; 'Tis six long weeks last Sunday since I have tasted bread; Of turnip-tops and lucerne greens I've had enough to eat, But I'd like to change my diet to buckwheat cakes and meat. I (p. 184) had to sell my wagon for sorghum seed and bread; Old Jim and old Baldy have long since been dead. There's no one left but me and Bet to hoe the cotton tree,— God pity any Mormon that attempts to follow me! THE BUFFALO HUNTERS (p. 185) Come all you pretty girls, to you these lines I'll write, We are going to the range in which we take delight; We are going on the range as we poor hunters do, And the tender-footed fellows can stay at home with you. It's all of the day long as we go tramping round In search of the buffalo that we may shoot him down; Our guns upon our shoulders, our belts of forty rounds, We send them up Salt River to some happy hunting grounds. Our game, it is the antelope, the buffalo, wolf, and deer, Who roam the wide prairies without a single fear; We rob him of his robe and think it is no harm, To buy us food and clothing to keep our bodies warm. The buffalo, he is the noblest of the band, He sometimes rejects in throwing up his hand. His shaggy main thrown forward, his head raised to the sky, He seems (p. 186) to say, "We're coming, boys; so hunter, mind your eye." Our fires are made of mesquite roots, our beds are on the ground; Our houses made of buffalo hides, we make them tall and round; Our furniture is the camp kettle, the coffee pot, and pan, Our chuck it is both bread and meat, mingled well with sand. Our neighbors are the Cheyennes, the 'Rapahoes, and Sioux, Their mode of navigation is a buffalo-hide canoe. And when they come upon you they take you unaware, And such a peculiar way they have of raising hunter's hair. THE LITTLE OLD SOD SHANTY (p. 187) I am looking rather seedy now while holding down my claim, And my victuals are not always served the best; And the mice play shyly round me as I nestle down to rest In my little old sod shanty on my claim. The hinges are of leather and the windows have no glass, While the board roof lets the howling blizzards in, And I hear the hungry cayote as he slinks up through the grass Round the little old sod shanty on my claim. Yet, I rather like the novelty of living in this way, Though my bill of fare is always rather tame, But I'm happy as a clam on the land of Uncle Sam In the little old sod shanty on my claim. But when I left my Eastern home, a bachelor so gay, To try and win my way to wealth and fame, I little thought I'd come down to burning twisted hay In the little old sod shanty on my claim. My (p. 188) clothes are plastered o'er with dough, I'm looking like a fright, And everything is scattered round the room, But I wouldn't give the freedom that I have out in the West For the table of the Eastern man's old home. Still, I wish that some kind-hearted girl would pity on me take And relieve me from the mess that I am in; The angel, how I'd bless her if this her home she'd make In the little old sod shanty on my claim. And we would make our fortunes on the prairies of the West, Just as happy as two lovers we'd remain; We'd forget the trials and troubles we endured at the first In the little old sod shanty on my claim. And if fate should bless us with now and then an heir To cheer our hearts with honest pride of fame, Oh, then we'd be contented for the toil that we had spent In the little old sod shanty on our claim. When time enough had lapsed and all those little brats To (p. 189) noble man and womanhood had grown, It wouldn't seem half so lonely as round us we should look And we'd see the old sod shanty on our claim. THE GOL-DARNED WHEEL (p. 190) I can take the wildest bronco in the tough old woolly West. I can ride him, I can break him, let him do his level best; I can handle any cattle ever wore a coat of hair, And I've had a lively tussle with a tarnel grizzly bear. I can rope and throw the longhorn of the wildest Texas brand, And in Indian disagreements I can play a leading hand, But at last I got my master and he surely made me squeal When the boys got me a-straddle of that gol-darned wheel. It was at the Eagle Ranch, on the Brazos, When I first found that darned contrivance that upset me in the dust. A tenderfoot had brought it, he was wheeling all the way From the sun-rise end of freedom out to San Francisco Bay. He tied up at the ranch for to get outside a meal, Never thinking we would monkey with his gol-darned wheel. Arizona (p. 191) Jim begun it when he said to Jack McGill There was fellows forced to limit bragging on their riding skill, And he'd venture the admission the same fellow that he meant Was a very handy cutter far as riding bronchos went; But he would find that he was bucking 'gainst a different kind of deal If he threw his leather leggins 'gainst a gol-darned wheel. Such a slam against my talent made me hotter than a mink, And I swore that I would ride him for amusement or for chink. And it was nothing but a plaything for the kids and such about, And they'd have their ideas shattered if they'd lead the critter out. They held it while I mounted and gave the word to go; The shove they gave to start me warn't unreasonably slow. But I never spilled a cuss word and I never spilled a squeal— I was building reputation on that gol-darned wheel. Holy Moses and the Prophets, how we split the Texas air, And (p. 192) the wind it made whip-crackers of my same old canthy hair, And I sorta comprehended as down the hill we went There was bound to be a smash-up that I couldn't well prevent. Oh, how them punchers bawled, "Stay with her, Uncle Bill! Stick your spurs in her, you sucker! turn her muzzle up the hill!" But I never made an answer, I just let the cusses squeal, I was finding reputation on that gol-darned wheel. The grade was mighty sloping from the ranch down to the creek And I went a-galliflutin' like a crazy lightning streak,— Went whizzing and a-darting first this way and then that, The darned contrivance sort o' wobbling like the flying of a bat. I pulled upon the handles, but I couldn't check it up, And I yanked and sawed and hollowed but the darned thing wouldn't stop. Then a sort of a meachin' in my brain began to steal, That the devil held a mortgage on that gol-darned wheel. I've (p. 193) a sort of dim and hazy remembrance of the stop, With the world a-goin' round and the stars all tangled up; Then there came an intermission that lasted till I found I was lying at the ranch with the boys all gathered round, And a doctor was a-sewing on the skin where it was ripped, And old Arizona whispered, "Well, old boy, I guess you're whipped," And I told him I was busted from sombrero down to heel, And he grinned and said, "You ought to see that gol-darned wheel." BONNIE BLACK BESS (p. 194) When fortune's blind goddess Had fled my abode, And friends proved unfaithful, I took to the road; To plunder the wealthy And relieve my distress, I bought you to aid me, My Bonnie Black Bess. No vile whip nor spur Did your sides ever gall, For none did you need, You would bound at my call; And for each act of kindness You would me caress, Thou art never unfaithful, My Bonnie Black Bess. When dark, sable midnight Her mantle had thrown O'er the bright face of nature, How oft we have gone To the famed Houndslow heath, Though an unwelcome guest To the minions of fortune, My Bonnie Black Bess. How (p. 195) silent you stood When the carriage I stopped, The gold and the jewels Its inmates would drop. No poor man I plundered Nor e'er did oppress The widows or orphans, My Bonnie Black Bess. When Argus-eyed justice Did me hot pursue, From Yorktown to London Like lightning we flew. No toll bars could stop you, The waters did breast, And in twelve hours we made it, My Bonnie Black Bess. But hate darkens o'er me, Despair is my lot, And the law does pursue me For the many I've shot; To save me, poor brute, Thou hast done thy best, Thou art worn out and weary, My Bonnie Black Bess. Hark! they never shall have A beast like thee; So noble and gentle And (p. 196) brave, thou must die, My dumb friend, Though it does me distress,— There! There! I have shot thee, My Bonnie Black Bess. In after years When I am dead and gone, This story will be handed From father to son; My fate some will pity, And some will confess 'Twas through kindness I killed thee, My Bonnie Black Bess. No one can e'er say That ingratitude dwelt In the bosom of Turpin,— 'Twas a vice never felt. I will die like a man And soon be at rest; Now, farewell forever, My Bonnie Black Bess. THE LAST LONGHORN (p. 197) An ancient long-horned bovine Lay dying by the river; There was lack of vegetation And the cold winds made him shiver; A cowboy sat beside him With sadness in his face. To see his final passing,— This last of a noble race. The ancient eunuch struggled And raised his shaking head, Saying, "I care not to linger When all my friends are dead. These Jerseys and these Holsteins, They are no friends of mine; They belong to the nobility Who live across the brine. "Tell the Durhams and the Herefords When they come a-grazing round, And see me lying stark and stiff Upon the frozen ground, I don't want them to bellow When they see that I am dead, For I was born in Texas Near the river that is Red. "Tell (p. 198) the cayotes, when they come at night A-hunting for their prey, They might as well go further, For they'll find it will not pay. If they attempt to eat me, They very soon will see That my bones and hide are petrified,— They'll find no beef on me. "I remember back in the seventies, Full many summers past, There was grass and water plenty, But it was too good to last. I little dreamed what would happen Some twenty summers hence, When the nester came with his wife, his kids, His dogs, and his barbed-wire fence." His voice sank to a murmur, His breath was short and quick; The cowboy tried to skin him When he saw he couldn't kick; He rubbed his knife upon his boot Until he made it shine, But he never skinned old longhorn, Caze he couldn't cut his rine. And the cowboy riz up sadly And mounted his cayuse, Saying, (p. 199) "The time has come when longhorns And their cowboys are no use!" And while gazing sadly backward Upon the dead bovine, His bronc stepped in a dog-hole And fell and broke his spine. The cowboys and the longhorns Who partnered in eighty-four Have gone to their last round-up Over on the other shore; They answered well their purpose, But their glory must fade and go, Because men say there's better things In the modern cattle show. A PRISONER FOR LIFE (p. 200) Fare you well, green fields, Soft meadows, adieu! Rocks and mountains, I depart from you; Nevermore shall my eyes By your beauties be blest, Nevermore shall you soothe My sad bosom to rest. Farewell, little birdies, That fly in the sky, You fly all day long And sing your troubles by; I am doomed to this cell, I heave a deep sigh; My heart sinks within me, In anguish I die. Fare you well, little fishes, That glides through the sea, Your life's all sunshine, All light, and all glee; Nevermore shall I watch Your skill in the wave, I'll depart from all friends This side of the grave. What (p. 201) would I give Such freedom to share, To roam at my ease And breathe the fresh air; I would roam through the cities, Through village and dell, But I never would return To my cold prison cell. What's life without liberty? I ofttimes have said, Of a poor troubled mind That's always in dread; No sun, moon, and stars Can on me now shine, No change in my danger From daylight till dawn. Fare you well, kind friends, I am willing to own, Such a wild outcast Never was known; I'm the downfall of my family, My children, my wife; God pity and pardon The poor prisoner for life. THE WARS OF GERMANY (p. 204) There was a wealthy merchant, In London he did dwell, He had an only daughter, The truth to you I'll tell. Sing I am left alone, Sing I am left alone. She was courted by a lord Of very high degree, She was courted by a sailor Jack Just from the wars of Germany. Sing I am left alone, Sing I am left alone. Her parents came to know this, That such a thing could be, A sailor Jack, a sailor lad, Just from the wars of Germany. Sing I am left alone, Sing I am left alone. So Polly she's at home With money at command, She taken a notion To view some foreign land. Sing I am left alone, Sing I am left alone. She (p. 205) went to the tailor's shop And dressed herself in man's array, And was off to an officer To carry her straight away. Sing I am left alone, Sing I am left alone. "Good morning," says the officer, And "Morning," says she, "Here's fifty guineas if you'll carry me To the wars of Germany." Sing I am left alone, Sing I am left alone. "Your waist is too slender, Your fingers are too small, I am afraid from your countenance You can't face a cannon ball." Sing I am left alone, Sing I am left alone. "My waist is not too slender, My fingers are not too small, And never would I quiver To face a cannon ball." Sing I am left alone, Sing I am left alone. "We don't often 'list an officer Unless the name we know;" She (p. 206) answered him in a low, sweet voice, "You may call me Jack Munro." Sing I am left alone, Sing I am left alone. We gathered up our men And quickly we did sail, We landed in France With a sweet and pleasant gale. Sing I am left alone, Sing I am left alone. We were walking on the land, Up and down the line,— Among the dead and wounded Her own true love she did find. Sing I am left alone, Sing I am left alone. She picked him up all in her arms, To Tousen town she went; She soon found a doctor To dress and heal his wounds, Sing I am left alone, Sing I am left alone. So Jacky, he is married, And his bride by his side, In spite of her old parents And all the world beside. Sing no longer left alone, Sing no longer left alone. FREIGHTING FROM WILCOX TO GLOBE (p. 207) Come all you jolly freighters That has freighted on the road, That has hauled a load of freight From Wilcox to Globe; We freighted on this road For sixteen years or more A-hauling freight for Livermore,— No wonder that I'm poor. And it's home, dearest home; And it's home you ought to be, Over on the Gila In the white man's country, Where the poplar and the ash And mesquite will ever be Growing green down on the Gila; There's a home for you and me. 'Twas in the spring of seventy-three I started with my team, Led by false illusion And those foolish, golden dreams; The first night out from Wilcox My best wheel horse was stole, And it makes me curse a little To come out in the hole. This (p. 208) then only left me three,— Kit, Mollie and old Mike; Mike being the best one of the three I put him out on spike; I then took the mountain road So the people would not smile, And it took fourteen days To travel thirteen mile. But I got there all the same With my little three-up spike; It taken all my money, then, To buy a mate for Mike. You all know how it is When once you get behind, You never get even again Till you damn steal them blind. I was an honest man When I first took to the road, I would not swear an oath, Nor would I tap a load; But now you ought to see my mules When I begin to cuss, They flop their ears and wiggle their tails And pull the load or bust. Now I can tap a whiskey barrel With nothing but a stick, No one can detect me I've got it down so slick; Just (p. 209) fill it up with water,— Sure, there's no harm in that. Now my clothes are not the finest, Nor are they genteel; But they will have to do me Till I can make another steal. My boots are number elevens, For I swiped them from a chow, And my coat cost dos reals From a little Apache squaw. Now I have freighted in the sand, I have freighted in the rain, I have bogged my wagons down And dug them out again; I have worked both late and early Till I was almost dead, And I have spent some nights sleeping In an Arizona bed. Now barbed wire and bacon Is all that they will pay, But you have to show your copper checks To get your grain and hay; If you ask them for five dollars, Old Meyers will scratch his pate, And the clerks in their white, stiff collars Say, "Get down and pull your freight." But (p. 210) I want to die and go to hell, Get there before Livermore and Meyers, And get a job of hauling coke To keep up the devil's fires; If I get the job of singeing them, I'll see they don't get free; I'll treat them like a yaller dog, As they have treated me. And it's home, dearest home; And it's home you ought to be, Over on the Gila, In the white man's country, Where the poplar and the ash And mesquite will ever be Growing green down on the Gila; There's a home for you and me. THE ARIZONA BOYS AND GIRLS (p. 211) Come all of you people, I pray you draw near, A comical ditty you all shall hear. The boys in this country they try to advance By courting the ladies and learning to dance,— And they're down, down, and they're down. The boys in this country they try to be plain, Those words that you hear you may hear them again, With twice as much added on if you can. There's many a boy stuck up for a man,— And they're down, down, and they're down. They will go to their parties, their whiskey they'll take, And out in the dark their bottles they'll break; You'll hear one say, "There's a bottle around here; So come around, boys, and we'll all take a share,"— And they're down, down, and they're down. There is some wears shoes and some wears boots, But there are very few that rides who don't shoot; More than this, I'll tell you what they'll do, They'll get them a watch and a ranger hat, too,— And they're down, down, and they're down. They'll go in the hall with spurs on their heel, They'll get them a partner to dance the next reel, Saying, (p. 212) "How do I look in my new brown suit, With my pants stuffed down in the top of my boot?"— And they're down, down, and they're down. Now I think it's quite time to leave off these lads For here are some girls that's fully as bad; They'll trim up their dresses and curl up their hair, And like an old owl before the glass they'll stare,— And they're down, down, and they're down. The girls in the country they grin like a cat, And with giggling and laughing they don't know what they're at, They think they're pretty and I tell you they're wise, But they couldn't get married to save their two eyes,— And they're down, down, and they're down. You can tell a good girl wherever she's found; No trimming, no lace, no nonsense around; With a long-eared bonnet tied under her chin,— <hr class="small"> And they're down, down, and they're down. They'll go to church with their snuff-box in hand, They'll give it a tap to make it look grand; Perhaps there is another one or two And they'll pass it around and it's "Madam, won't you,"— And they're down, down, and they're down. Now, (p. 213) I think it's quite time for this ditty to end; If there's anyone here that it will offend, If there's anyone here that thinks it amiss Just come around now and give the singer a kiss,— And they're down, down, and they're down. THE DYING RANGER (p. 214) The sun was sinking in the west And fell with lingering ray Through the branches of a forest Where a wounded ranger lay; Beneath the shade of a palmetto And the sunset silvery sky, Far away from his home in Texas They laid him down to die. A group had gathered round him, His comrades in the fight, A tear rolled down each manly cheek As he bid a last good-night. One tried and true companion Was kneeling by his side, To stop his life-blood flowing, But alas, in vain he tried. When to stop the life-blood flowing He found 'twas all in vain, The tears rolled down each man's cheek Like light showers of rain. Up spoke the noble ranger, "Boys, weep no more for me, I am crossing the deep waters To a country that is free. "Draw (p. 215) closer to me, comrades, And listen to what I say, I am going to tell a story While my spirit hastens away. Way back in Northwest Texas, That good old Lone Star state, There is one that for my coming With a weary heart will wait. "A fair young girl, my sister, My only joy, my pride, She was my friend from boyhood, I had no one left beside. I have loved her as a brother, And with a father's care I have strove from grief and sorrov Her gentle heart to spare. "My mother, she lies sleeping Beneath the church-yard sod, And many a day has passed away Since her spirit fled to God. My father, he lies sleeping Beneath the deep blue sea, I have no other kindred, There are none but Nell and me. "But our country was invaded And they called for volunteers; She threw her arms around me, Then burst into tears, Saying, (p. 216) 'Go, my darling brother, Drive those traitors from our shore, My heart may need your presence, But our country needs you more.' "It is true I love my country, For her I gave my all. If it hadn't been for my sister, I would be content to fall. I am dying, comrades, dying, She will never see me more, But in vain she'll wait my coming By our little cabin door. "Comrades, gather closer And listen to my dying prayer. Who will be to her as a brother, And shield her with a brother's care?" Up spake the noble rangers, They answered one and all, "We will be to her as brothers Till the last one does fall." One glad smile of pleasure O'er the ranger's face was spread; One dark, convulsive shadow, And the ranger boy was dead. Far from his darling sister We laid him down to rest With his saddle for a pillow And his gun across his breast. THE FAIR FANNIE MOORE (p. 219) Yonder stands a cottage, All deserted and alone, Its paths are neglected, With grass overgrown; Go in and you will see Some dark stains on the floor,— Alas! it is the blood Of fair Fannie Moore. To Fannie, so blooming, Two lovers they came; One offered young Fannie His wealth and his name; But neither his money Nor pride could secure A place in the heart Of fair Fannie Moore. The first was young Randell, So bold and so proud, Who to the fair Fannie His haughty head bowed; But his wealth and his house Both failed to allure The heart from the bosom Of fair Fannie Moore. The (p. 220) next was young Henry, Of lowest degree. He won her fond love And enraptured was he; And then at the altar He quick did secure The hand with the heart Of the fair Fannie Moore. As she was alone In her cottage one day, When business had called Her fond husband away, Young Randell, the haughty, Came in at the door And clasped in his arms The fair Fannie Moore. "O Fannie, O Fannie, Reflect on your fate And accept of my offer Before it's too late; For one thing to-night I am bound to secure,— 'Tis the love or the life Of the fair Fannie Moore." "Spare me, Oh, spare me!" The young Fannie cries, While the tears swiftly flow From (p. 221) her beautiful eyes; "Oh, no!" cries young Randell, "Go home to your rest," And he buried his knife In her snowy white breast. So Fannie, so blooming, In her bright beauty died; Young Randell, the haughty, Was taken and tried; At length he was hung On a tree at the door, For shedding the blood Of the fair Fannie Moore. Young Henry, the shepherd, Distracted and wild, Did wander away From his own native isle. Till at length, claimed by death, He was brought to this shore And laid by the side Of the fair Fannie Moore. HELL IN TEXAS (p. 222) The devil, we're told, in hell was chained, And a thousand years he there remained; He never complained nor did he groan, But determined to start a hell of his own, Where he could torment the souls of men Without being chained in a prison pen. So he asked the Lord if he had on hand Anything left when he made the land. The Lord said, "Yes, I had plenty on hand, But I left it down on the Rio Grande; The fact is, old boy, the stuff is so poor I don't think you could use it in hell anymore." But the devil went down to look at the truck, And said if it came as a gift he was stuck; For after examining it carefully and well He concluded the place was too dry for hell. So, in order to get it off his hands, The Lord promised the devil to water the lands; For he had some water, or rather some dregs, A regular cathartic that smelled like bad eggs. Hence the deal was closed and the deed was given And the Lord went back to his home in heaven. And the devil then said, "I have all that is needed To make a good hell," and hence he succeeded. He (p. 223) began to put thorns in all of the trees, And mixed up the sand with millions of fleas; And scattered tarantulas along all the roads; Put thorns on the cactus and horns on the toads. He lengthened the horns of the Texas steers, And put an addition on the rabbit's ears; He put a little devil in the broncho steed, And poisoned the feet of the centipede. The rattlesnake bites you, the scorpion stings, The mosquito delights you with buzzing wings; The sand-burrs prevail and so do the ants, And those who sit down need half-soles on their pants. The devil then said that throughout the land He'd managed to keep up the devil's own brand, And all would be mavericks unless they bore The marks of scratches and bites and thorns by the score. The heat in the summer is a hundred and ten, Too hot for the devil and too hot for men. The wild boar roams through the black chaparral,— It's a hell of a place he has for a hell. The red pepper grows on the banks of the brook; The Mexicans use it in all that they cook. Just dine with a Greaser and then you will shout, "I've hell on the inside as well as the out!" BY MARKENTURA'S FLOWERY MARGE (p. 224) By Markentura's flowery marge the Red Chief's wigwam stood, Before the white man's rifle rang, loud echoing through the wood; The tommy-hawk and scalping knife together lay at rest, And peace was in the forest shade and in the red man's breast. Oh, the Spotted Fawn, oh, the Spotted Fawn, The life and light of the forest shade,— The Red Chief's child is gone! By Markentura's flowery marge the Spotted Fawn had birth And grew as fair an Indian maid as ever graced the earth. She was the Red Chief's only child and sought by many a brave, But to the gallant young White Cloud her plighted troth she gave. By Markentura's flowery marge the bridal song arose, Nor dreamed they in that festive night of near approaching woes; But (p. 225) through the forest stealthily the white man came in wrath. And fiery darts before them spread, and death was in their path. By Markentura's flowery marge next morn no strife was seen, But a wail went up, for the young Fawn's blood and White Cloud's dyed the green. A burial in their own rude way the Indians gave them there, And a low sweet requiem the brook sang and the air. Oh, the Spotted Fawn, oh, the Spotted Fawn, The life and light of the forest shade,— The Red Chief's child is gone! THE STATE OF ARKANSAW (p. 226) My name is Stamford Barnes, I come from Nobleville town; I've traveled this wide world over, I've traveled this wide world round. I've met with ups and downs in life but better days I've saw, But I've never knew what misery were till I came to Arkansaw. I landed in St. Louis with ten dollars and no more; I read the daily papers till both my eyes were sore; I read them evening papers until at last I saw Ten thousand men were wanted in the state of Arkansaw. I wiped my eyes with great surprise when I read this grateful news, And straightway off I started to see the agent, Billy Hughes. He says, "Pay me five dollars and a ticket to you I'll draw, It'll land you safe upon the railroad in the State of Arkansaw." I started off one morning a quarter after five; I started from St. Louis, half dead and half alive; I (p. 227) bought me a quart of whiskey my misery to thaw, I got as drunk as a biled owl when I left for old Arkansaw. I landed in Ft. Smith one sultry Sunday afternoon, It was in the month of May, the early month of June, Up stepped a walking skeleton with a long and lantern jaw, Invited me to his hotel, "The best in Arkansaw." I followed my conductor into his dwelling place; Poverty were depictured in his melancholy face. His bread it was corn dodger, his beef I could not chaw; This was the kind of hash they fed me in the State of Arkansaw. I started off next morning to catch the morning train, He says to me, "You'd better work, for I have some land to drain. I'll pay you fifty cents a day, your board, washing, and all,— You'll find yourself a different man when you leave old Arkansaw." I worked six weeks for the son of a gun, Jesse Herring was his name, He was six foot seven in his stocking feet and taller than any crane; His (p. 228) hair hung down in strings over his long and lantern jaw,— He was a photograph of all the gents who lived in Arkansaw. He fed me on corn dodgers as hard as any rock, Until my teeth began to loosen and my knees began to knock; I got so thin on sassafras tea I could hide behind a straw, And indeed I was a different man when I left old Arkansaw. Farewell to swamp angels, cane brakes, and chills; Farewell to sage and sassafras and corn dodger pills. If ever I see this land again, I'll give to you my paw; It will be through a telescope from here to Arkansaw. THE TEXAS COWBOY (p. 229) Oh, I am a Texas cowboy, Far away from home, If ever I get back to Texas I never more will roam. Montana is too cold for me And the winters are too long; Before the round-ups do begin Our money is all gone. Take this old hen-skin bedding, Too thin to keep me warm,— I nearly freeze to death, my boys. Whenever there's a storm. And take this old "tarpoleon," Too thin to shield my frame,— I got it down in Nebraska A-dealin' a Monte game. Now to win these fancy leggins I'll have enough to do; They cost me twenty dollars The day that they were new. I have an outfit on the Mussel Shell, But that I'll never see, Unless (p. 230) I get sent to represent The Circle or D.T. I've worked down in Nebraska Where the grass grows ten feet high, And the cattle are such rustlers That they seldom ever die; I've worked up in the sand hills And down upon the Platte, Where the cowboys are good fellows And the cattle always fat; I've traveled lots of country,— Nebraska's hills of sand, Down through the Indian Nation, And up the Rio Grande;— But the Bad Lands of Montana Are the worst I ever seen, The cowboys are all tenderfeet And the dogies are too lean. If you want to see some bad lands, Go over on the Dry; You will bog down in the coulees Where the mountains reach the sky. A tenderfoot to lead you Who never knows the way, You (p. 231) are playing in the best of luck If you eat more than once a day. Your grub is bread and bacon And coffee black as ink; The water is so full of alkali It is hardly fit to drink. They will wake you in the morning Before the break of day, And send you on a circle A hundred miles away. All along the Yellowstone 'Tis cold the year around; You will surely get consumption By sleeping on the ground. Work in Montana Is six months in the year; When all your bills are settled There is nothing left for beer. Work down in Texas Is all the year around; You will never get consumption By sleeping on the ground. Come all you Texas cowboys And warning take from me, And (p. 232) do not go to Montana To spend your money free. But stay at home in Texas Where work lasts the year around, And you will never catch consumption By sleeping on the ground. THE DREARY, DREARY LIFE (p. 233) A cowboy's life is a dreary, dreary life, Some say it's free from care; Rounding up the cattle from morning till night In the middle of the prairie so bare. Half-past four, the noisy cook will roar, "Whoop-a-whoop-a-hey!" Slowly you will rise with sleepy-feeling eyes, The sweet, dreamy night passed away. The greener lad he thinks it's play, He'll soon peter out on a cold rainy day, With his big bell spurs and his Spanish hoss, He'll swear to you he was once a boss. The cowboy's life is a dreary, dreary life, He's driven through the heat and cold; While the rich man's a-sleeping on his velvet couch, Dreaming of his silver and gold. Spring-time sets in, double trouble will begin, The weather is so fierce and cold; Clothes are wet and frozen to our necks, The cattle we can scarcely hold. The cowboy's life is a dreary one, He works all day to the setting of the sun; And (p. 234) then his day's work is not done, For there's his night herd to go on. The wolves and owls with their terrifying howls Will disturb us in our midnight dream, As we lie on our slickers on a cold, rainy night Way over on the Pecos stream. You are speaking of your farms, you are speaking of your charms, You are speaking of your silver and gold; But a cowboy's life is a dreary, dreary life, He's driven through the heat and cold. Some folks say that we are free from care, Free from all other harm; But we round up the cattle from morning till night Way over on the prairie so dry. I used to run about, now I stay at home, Take care of my wife and child; Nevermore to roam, always stay at home, Take care of my wife and child. Half-past four the noisy cook will roar, "Hurrah, boys! she's breaking day!" Slowly we will rise and wipe our sleepy eyes, The sweet, dreamy night passed away. JIM FARROW (p. 237) It's Jim Farrow and John Farrow and little Simon, too, Have plenty of cattle where I have but few. Marking and branding both night and day,— It's "Keep still, boys, my boys, and you'll all get your pay." It's up to the courthouse, the first thing they know, Before the Grand Jury they'll have to go. They'll ask you about ear-marks, they'll ask you about brand, But tell them you were absent when the work was on hand. Jim Farrow brands J.F. on the side; The next comes Johnnie who takes the whole hide; Little Simon, too has H. on the loin;— All stand for Farrow but it's not good for Sime. You ask for the mark, I don't think it's fair, You'll find the cow's head but the ear isn't there It's a crop and a split and a sort of a twine,— All stand for F. but it's not good for Sime. "Get up, my boys," Jim Farrow will say, "And out to horse hunting before it is day." So we get up and are out on the way But it's damn few horses we find before day. "Now saddle your horses and out on the peaks To (p. 238) see if the heifers are out on the creeks." We'll round 'em to-day and we'll round 'em to-morrow, And this ends my song concerning the Farrows. YOUNG CHARLOTTIE (p. 239) Young Charlottie lived by a mountain side in a wild and lonely spot, There was no village for miles around except her father's cot; And yet on many a wintry night young boys would gather there,— Her father kept a social board, and she was very fair. One New Year's Eve as the sun went down, she cast a wistful eye Out from the window pane as a merry sleigh went by. At a village fifteen miles away was to be a ball that night; Although the air was piercing cold, her heart was merry and light. At last her laughing eye lit up as a well-known voice she heard, And dashing in front of the door her lover's sleigh appeared. "O daughter, dear," her mother said, "this blanket round you fold, 'Tis such a dreadful night abroad and you will catch your death of cold." "Oh (p. 240) no, oh no!" young Charlottie cried, as she laughed like a gipsy queen, "To ride in blankets muffled up, I never would be seen. My silken coat is quite enough, you know it is lined throughout, And there is my silken scarf to wrap my head and neck about." Her bonnet and her gloves were on, she jumped into the sleigh, And swiftly slid down the mountain side and over the hills away. All muffled up so silent, five miles at last were past When Charlie with few but shivering words, the silence broke at last. "Such a dreadful night I never saw, my reins I can scarcely hold." Young Charlottie then feebly said, "I am exceedingly cold." He cracked his whip and urged his speed much faster than before, While at least five other miles in silence had passed o'er. Spoke Charles, "How fast the freezing ice is gathering on my brow!" Young Charlottie then feebly said, "I'm growing warmer now." So (p. 241) on they sped through the frosty air and the glittering cold starlight Until at last the village lights and the ball-room came in sight. They reached the door and Charles sprang out and reached his hands to her. "Why sit you there like a monument that has no power to stir?" He called her once, he called her twice, she answered not a word, And then he called her once again but still she never stirred. He took her hand in his; 'twas cold and hard as any stone. He tore the mantle from her face while cold stars on it shone. Then quickly to the lighted hall her lifeless form he bore;— Young Charlottie's eyes were closed forever, her voice was heard no more. And there he sat down by her side while bitter tears did flow, And cried, "My own, my charming bride, you nevermore shall know." He twined his arms around her neck and kissed her marble brow, And his thoughts flew back to where she said, "I'm growing warmer now." He (p. 242) took her back into the sleigh and quickly hurried home; When he arrived at her father's door, oh, how her friends did mourn; They mourned the loss of a daughter dear, while Charles wept over the gloom, Till at last he died with the bitter grief,—now they both lie in one tomb. THE SKEW-BALL BLACK (p. 243) It was down to Red River I came, Prepared to play a damned tough game,— Whoa! skew, till I saddle you, whoa! I crossed the river to the ranch where I intended to work, With a big six-shooter and a derned good dirk,— Whoa! skew, till I saddle you, whoa! They roped me out a skew-ball black With a double set-fast on his back,— Whoa! skew, till I saddle you, whoa! And when I was mounted on his back, The boys all yelled, "Just give him slack,"— Whoa! skew, till I saddle you, whoa! They rolled and tumbled and yelled, by God, For he threw me a-whirling all over the sod,— Whoa! skew, till I saddle you, whoa! I went to the boss and I told him I'd resign, The fool tumbled over, and I thought he was dyin',— Whoa! skew, till I saddle you, whoa! And it's to Arkansaw I'll go back, To hell with Texas and the skew-ball black,— Whoa! skew, till I saddle you, whoa! THE RAMBLING COWBOY (p. 244) There was a rich old rancher who lived in the country by, He had a lovely daughter on whom I cast my eye; She was pretty, tall, and handsome, both neat and very fair, There's no other girl in the country with her I could compare. I asked her if she would be willing for me to cross the plains; She said she would be truthful until I returned again; She said she would be faithful until death did prove unkind, So we kissed, shook hands, and parted, and I left my girl behind. I left the State of Texas, for Arizona I was bound; I landed in Tombstone City, I viewed the place all round. Money and work were plentiful and the cowboys they were kind But the only thought of my heart was the girl I left behind. One day as I was riding across the public square The mail-coach came in and I met the driver there; He (p. 245) handed me a letter which gave me to understand That the girl I left in Texas had married another man. I turned myself all round and about not knowing what to do, But I read on down some further and it proved the words were true. Hard work I have laid over, it's gambling I have designed. I'll ramble this wide world over for the girl I left behind. Come all you reckless and rambling boys who have listened to this song, If it hasn't done you any good, it hasn't done you any wrong; But when you court a pretty girl, just marry her while you can, For if you go across the plains she'll marry another man. THE COWBOY AT CHURCH (p. 246) Some time ago,—two weeks or more If I remember well,— I found myself in town and thought I'd knock around a spell, When all at once I heard the bell,— I didn't know 'twas Sunday,— For on the plains we scarcely know A Sunday from a Monday,— A-calling all the people From the highways and the hedges And all the reckless throng That tread ruin's ragged edges, To come and hear the pastor tell Salvation's touching story, And how the new road misses hell And leads you straight to glory. I started by the chapel door, But something urged me in, And told me not to spend God's day In revelry and sin. I don't go much on sentiment, But tears came in my eyes. It seemed just like my mother's voice Was speaking from the skies. I (p. 247) thought how often she had gone With little Sis and me To church, when I was but a lad Way back in Tennessee. It never once occurred to me About not being dressed In Sunday rig, but carelessly I went in with the rest. You should have seen the smiles and shrugs As I went walking in, As though they thought my leggins Worse than any kind of sin; Although the honest parson, In his vestry garb arrayed Was dressed the same as I was,— In the trappings of his trade. The good man prayed for all the world And all its motley crew, For pagan, Hindoo, sinners, Turk, And unbelieving Jew,— Though the congregation doubtless thought That the cowboys as a race Were a kind of moral outlaw With no good claim to grace. Is it very strange that cowboys are A rough and reckless crew When their garb forbids their doing right As Christian people do? That (p. 248) they frequent scenes of revelry Where death is bought and sold, Where at least they get a welcome Though it's prompted by their gold? Stranger, did it ever strike you, When the winter days are gone And the mortal grass is springing up To meet the judgment sun, And we 'tend mighty round-ups Where, according to the Word, The angel cowboy of the Lord Will cut the human herd,— That a heap of stock that's lowing now Around the Master's pen And feeding at his fodder stack Will have the brand picked then? And brands that when the hair was long Looked like the letter C, Will prove to be the devil's, And the brand the letter D; While many a long-horned coaster,— I mean, just so to speak,— That hasn't had the advantage Of the range and gospel creek Will get to crop the grasses In the pasture of the Lord If the letter C showed up Beneath the devil's checker board. THE U. S. A. RECRUIT (p. 249) Now list to my song, it will not take me long, And in some things with me you'll agree; A young man so green came in from Moline, And enlisted a soldier to be. He had lots of pluck, on himself he was stuck, In his Government straights he looked "boss," And he chewed enough beans for a hoss. He was a rookey, so flukey, He was a jim dandy you all will agree, He said without fear, "Before I'm a year In the Army, great changes you'll see." He was a stone thrower, a foam blower, He was a Loo Loo you bet, He stood on his head and these words gently said, "I'll be second George Washington yet." At his post he did land, they took him in hand, The old bucks they all gathered 'round, Saying "Give us your fist; where did you enlist? You'll take on again I'll be bound; I've a blanket to sell, it will fit you quite well, I'll sell you the whole or a piece. I've a dress coat to trade, or a helmet unmade, It will do you for kitchen police." Then (p. 250) the top said, "My Son, here is a gun, Just heel ball that musket up bright. In a few days or more you'll be rolling in gore, A-chasing wild Goo Goos to flight. There'll be fighting, you see, and blood flowing free, We'll send you right on to the front; And never you fear, if you're wounded, my dear, You'll be pensioned eight dollars per month." He was worried so bad, he blew in all he had; He went on a drunk with goodwill. And the top did report, "One private short." When he showed up he went to the mill. The proceedings we find were a ten dollar blind, Ten dollars less to blow foam. This was long years ago, and this rookey you know Is now in the old soldiers' home. THE COWGIRL (p. 251) My love is a rider and broncos he breaks, But he's given up riding and all for my sake; For he found him a horse and it suited him so He vowed he'd ne'er ride any other bronco. My love has a gun, and that gun he can use, But he's quit his gun fighting as well as his booze; And he's sold him his saddle, his spurs, and his rope, And there's no more cow punching, and that's what I hope. My love has a gun that has gone to the bad, Which makes poor old Jimmy feel pretty damn sad; For the gun it shoots high and the gun it shoots low, And it wobbles about like a bucking bronco. The cook is an unfortunate son of a gun; He has to be up e'er the rise of the sun; His language is awful, his curses are deep,— He is like cascarets, for he works while you sleep. THE SHANTY BOY (p. 252) I am a jolly shanty boy, As you will soon discover. To all the dodges I am fly, A hustling pine woods rover. A peavy hook it is my pride, An ax I well can handle; To fell a tree or punch a bull Get rattling Danny Randall. Bung yer eye: bung yer eye. I love a girl in Saginaw; She lives with her mother; I defy all Michigan To find such another. She's tall and fat, her hair is red, Her face is plump and pretty, She's my daisy, Sunday-best-day girl,— And her front name stands for Kitty. Bung yer eye: bung yer eye. I took her to a dance one night, A mossback gave the bidding; Silver Jack bossed the shebang And Big Dan played the fiddle. We (p. 253) danced and drank, the livelong night. With fights between the dancing— Till Silver Jack cleaned out the ranch And sent the mossbacks prancing. Bung yer eye: bung yer eye. ROOT HOG OR DIE (p. 254) When I was a young man I lived on the square, I never had any pocket change and I hardly thought it fair; So out on the crosses I went to rob and to steal, And when I met a peddler oh, how happy I did feel. One morning, one morning, one morning in May I seen a man a-coming, a little bit far away; I seen a man a-coming, come riding up to me "Come here, come here, young fellow, I'm after you to-day." He taken me to the new jail, he taken me to the new jail, And I had to walk right in. There all my friends went back on me And also my kin. I had an old rich uncle, who lived in the West, He heard of my misfortune, it wouldn't let him rest; He came to see me, he paid my bills and score,— I have been a bad boy, I'll do so no more. There's Minnie and Alice and Lucy likewise, They heard of my misfortune brought tears to their eyes. I've (p. 255) told 'em my condition, I've told it o'er and o'er; So I've been a bad boy, I'll do so no more. I will go to East Texas to marry me a wife, And try to maintain her the balance of my life; I'll try to maintain; I'll lay it up in store I've been a bad boy, I'll do so no more. Young man, you robber, you had better take it fair, Leave off your marshal killing and live on the square; Should you meet the marshal, just pass him by; And travel on the muscular, for it's root hog or die. When I drew my money I drew it all in cash And off to see my Susan, you bet I cut a dash; I spent my money freely and went it on a bum, And I love the pretty women and am bound to have my fun. I used to sport a white hat, a horse and buggy fine, Courted a pretty girl and always called her mine; But all my courtships proved to be in vain, For they sent me down to Huntsville to wear the ball and chain. Along came my true love, about twelve o'clock, Saying, "Henry, O Henry, what sentence have you got?" The jury found me guilty, the judge would allow no stay, So they sent me down to Huntsville to wear my life away. SWEET BETSY FROM PIKE (p. 258) "A California Immigrant Song of the Fifties" Oh, don't you remember sweet Betsy from Pike Who crossed the big mountains with her lover Ike, And two yoke of cattle, a large yellow dog, A tall, shanghai rooster, and one spotted hog? Saying, good-bye, Pike County, Farewell for a while; We'll come back again When we've panned out our pile. One evening quite early they camped on the Platte, 'Twas near by the road on a green shady flat; Where Betsy, quite tired, lay down to repose, While with wonder Ike gazed on his Pike County rose. They soon reached the desert, where Betsy gave out, And down in the sand she lay rolling about; While Ike in great terror looked on in surprise, Saying "Betsy, get up, you'll get sand in your eyes." Saying, good-bye, Pike County, Farewell for a while; I'd go back to-night If it was but a mile. Sweet (p. 259) Betsy got up in a great deal of pain And declared she'd go back to Pike County again; Then Ike heaved a sigh and they fondly embraced, And she traveled along with his arm around her waist. The wagon tipped over with a terrible crash, And out on the prairie rolled all sorts of trash; A few little baby clothes done up with care Looked rather suspicious,—though 'twas all on the square. The shanghai ran off and the cattle all died, The last piece of bacon that morning was fried; Poor Ike got discouraged, and Betsy got mad, The dog wagged his tail and looked wonderfully sad. One morning they climbed up a very high hill, And with wonder looked down into old Placerville; Ike shouted and said, as he cast his eyes down, "Sweet Betsy, my darling, we've got to Hangtown." Long Ike and sweet Betsy attended a dance, Where Ike wore a pair of his Pike County pants; Sweet Betsy was covered with ribbons and rings. Quoth Ike, "You're an angel, but where are your wings?" A miner (p. 260) said, "Betsy, will you dance with me?" "I will that, old hoss, if you don't make too free; But don't dance me hard. Do you want to know why? Dog on ye, I'm chock full of strong alkali." Long Ike and sweet Betsy got married of course, But Ike getting jealous obtained a divorce; And Betsy, well satisfied, said with a shout, "Good-bye, you big lummax, I'm glad you backed out." Saying, good-bye, dear Isaac, Farewell for a while, But come back in time To replenish my pile. THE DISHEARTENED RANGER (p. 261) Come listen to a ranger, you kind-hearted stranger, This song, though a sad one, you're welcome to hear; We've kept the Comanches away from your ranches, And followed them far o'er the Texas frontier. We're weary of scouting, of traveling, and routing The blood-thirsty villains o'er prairie and wood; No rest for the sinner, no breakfast or dinner, But he lies in a supperless bed in the mud. No corn nor potatoes, no bread nor tomatoes, But jerked beef as dry as the sole of your shoe; All day without drinking, all night without winking, I'll tell you, kind stranger, this never will do. Those great alligators, the State legislators, Are puffing and blowing two-thirds of their time, But windy orations about rangers and rations Never put in our pockets one-tenth of a dime. They do not regard us, they will not reward us, Though hungry and haggard with holes in our coats; But the election is coming and they will be drumming And praising our valor to purchase our votes. For (p. 262) glory and payment, for vittles and raiment, No longer we'll fight on the Texas frontier. So guard your own ranches, and mind the Comanches Or surely they'll scalp you in less than a year. Though sore it may grieve you, the rangers must leave you Exposed to the arrows and knife of the foe; So herd your own cattle and fight your own battle, For home to the States I'm determined to go,— Where churches have steeples and laws are more equal, Where houses have people and ladies are kind; Where work is regarded and worth is rewarded; Where pumpkins are plenty and pockets are lined. Your wives and your daughters we have guarded from slaughter, Through conflicts and struggles I shudder to tell; No more well defend them, to God we'll commend them. To the frontier of Texas we bid a farewell. THE MELANCHOLY COWBOY (p. 263) Come all you melancholy folks and listen unto me, I will sing you about the cowboy whose heart's so light and free; He roves all over the prairie and at night when he lays down His heart's as gay as the flowers of May with his bed spread on the ground. They are a little bit rough, I must confess, the most of them at least; But as long as you do not cross their trail, you can live with them in peace. But if you do, they're sure to rule, the day you come to their land, For they'll follow you up and shoot it out, they'll do it man to man. You can go to a cowboy hungry, go to him wet or dry, And ask him for a few dollars in change and he will not deny; He will pull out his pocket-book and hand you out a note,— Oh, they are the fellows to strike, boys, whenever you are broke. You (p. 264) can go to their ranches and often stay for weeks, And when you go to leave, boys, they'll never charge you a cent; But when they go to town, boys, you bet their money is spent. They walk right up, they take their drinks and they pay for every one. They never ask your pardon, boys, for a thing that they have done. They go to the ball-room, and swing the pretty girls around; They ride their bucking broncos, and wear their broad-brimmed hats; Their California saddles, their pants below their boots, You can hear their spurs go jing-a-ling, or perhaps somebody shoots. Come all you soft and tenderfeet, if you want to have some fun, Come go among the cowboys and they'll show you how it's done; But take the kind advice of me as I gave it to you before, For if you don't, they'll order you off with an old Colt's forty-four. BOB STANFORD (p. 265) Bob Stanford, he's a Texas boy, He lives down on the flat; His trade is running a well-drill, But he's none the worse for that. He is neither rich nor handsome, But, unlike the city dude, His manners they are pleasant Instead of flip and rude. His people live in Texas, That is his native home, But like many other Western lads He drifted off from home. He came out to New Mexico A fortune for to make, He punched the bottom out of the earth And never made a stake. So he came to Arizona And again set up his drill To punch a hole for water, And he's punching at it still. He says he is determined To make the business stick Or (p. 266) spend that derned old well machine And all he can get on tick. I hope he is successful And I'll help him if I can, For I admire pluck and ambition In an honest working man. So keep on going down, Punch the bottom out, or try, There is nothing in a hole in the ground That continues being dry. CHARLIE RUTLAGE (p. 267) Another good cow-puncher has gone to meet his fate, I hope he'll find a resting place within the golden gate. Another place is vacant on the ranch of the X I T, 'Twill be hard to find another that's liked as well as he. The first that died was Kid White, a man both tough and brave, While Charlie Rutlage makes the third to be sent to his grave, Caused by a cow-horse falling while running after stock; 'Twas on the spring round-up,—a place where death men mock. He went forward one morning on a circle through the hills, He was gay and full of glee, and free from earthly ills; But when it came to finish up the work on which he went, Nothing came back from him; for his time on earth was spent. 'Twas (p. 268) as he rode the round-up, an X I T turned back to the herd; Poor Charlie shoved him in again, his cutting horse he spurred; Another turned; at that moment his horse the creature spied And turned and fell with him, and beneath, poor Charlie died. His relations in Texas his face never more will see, But I hope he will meet his loved ones beyond in eternity. I hope he will meet his parents, will meet them face to face, And that they will grasp him by the right hand at the shining throne of grace. THE RANGE RIDERS (p. 269) Come all you range riders and listen to me, I will relate you a story of the saddest degree, I will relate you a story of the deepest distress,— I love my poor Lulu, boys, of all girls the best. When you are out riding, boys, upon the highway, Meet a fair damsel, a lady so gay, With her red, rosy cheeks and her sparkling dark eyes, Just think of my Lulu, boys, and your bosoms will rise. While you live single, boys, you are just in your prime; You have no wife to scold, you have nothing to bother your minds; You can roam this world over and do just as you will, Hug and kiss the pretty girls and be your own still. But when you get married, boys, you are done with this life, You have sold your sweet comfort for to gain you a wife; Your (p. 270) wife she will scold you, and the children will cry, It will make those fair faces look withered and dry. You can scarcely step aside, boys, to speak to a friend But your wife is at your elbow saying what do you mean. With her nose turned upon you it will look like sad news,— I advise you by experience that life to refuse. Come fill up your bottles, boys, drink Bourbon around; Here is luck to the single wherever they are found. Here is luck to the single and I wish them success, Likewise to the married ones, I wish them no less. I have one more request to make, boys, before we part. Never place your affection on a charming sweetheart. She is dancing before you your affections to gain; Just turn your back on them with scorn and disdain. HER WHITE BOSOM BARE (p. 271) The sun had gone down O'er the hills of the west, And the last beams had faded O'er the mossy hill's crest, O'er the beauties of nature And the charms of the fair, And Amanda was bound With her white bosom bare. At the foot of the mountain Amanda did sigh At the hoot of an owl Or the catamount's cry; Or the howl of some wolf In its low, granite cell, Or the crash of some large Forest tree as it fell. Amanda was there All friendless and forlorn With her face bathed in blood And her garments all torn. The sunlight had faded O'er the hills of the green, And fierce was the look Of the wild, savage scene. For (p. 272) it was out in the forest Where the wild game springs, Where low in the branches The rude hammock swings; The campfire was kindled, Well fanned by the breeze, And the light of the campfire Shone round on the trees. The campfire was kindled, Well fanned by the breeze, And the light of the fire Shone round on the trees; And grim stood the circle Of the warrior throng, Impatient to join In the war-dance and song. The campfire was kindled, Each warrior was there, And Amanda was bound With her white bosom bare. She counted the vengeance In the face of her foes And sighed for the moment When her sufferings might close. Young Albon, he gazed On the face of the fair While her dark hazel eyes Were (p. 273) uplifted in prayer; And her dark waving tresses In ringlets did flow Which hid from the gazer A bosom of snow. Then young Albon, the chief Of the warriors, drew near, With an eye like an eagle And a step like a deer. "Forbear," cried he, "Your torture forbear; This maiden shall live. By my wampum I swear. "It is for this maiden's freedom That I do crave; Give a sigh for her suffering Or a tear for her grave. If there is a victim To be burned at that tree, Young Albon, your leader, That victim shall be." Then quick to the arms Of Amanda he rushed; The rebel was dead, And the tumult was hushed; And grim stood the circle Of warriors around While (p. 274) the cords of Amanda Young Albon unbound. So it was early next morning The red, white, and blue Went gliding o'er the waters In a small birch canoe; Just like the white swan That glides o'er the tide, Young Albon and Amanda O'er the waters did ride. O'er the blue, bubbling water, Neath the evergreen trees, Young Albon and Amanda Did ride at their ease; And great was the joy When she stepped on the shore To embrace her dear father And mother once more. Young Albon, he stood And enjoyed their embrace, With a sigh in his heart And a tear on his face; And all that he asked Was kindness and food From the parents of Amanda To the chief of the woods. Young (p. 275) Amanda is home now, As you all know, Enjoying the friends Of her own native shore; Nevermore will she roam O'er the hills or the plains; She praises the chief That loosened her chains. JUAN MURRAY (p. 276) My name is Juan Murray, and hard for my fate, I was born and raised in Texas, that good old lone star state. I have been to many a round-up, boys, have worked on the trail, Have stood many a long old guard through the rain, yes, sleet, and hail; I have rode the Texas broncos that pitched from morning till noon, And have seen many a storm, boys, between sunrise, yes, and noon. I am a jolly cowboy and have roamed all over the West, And among the bronco riders I rank among the best. But when I left old Midland, with voice right then I spoke,— "I never will see you again until the day I croak." But since I left old Texas so many sights I have saw A-traveling from my native state way out to Mexico,— I am looking all around me and cannot help but smile To see my nearest neighbors all in the Mexican style. I left (p. 277) my home in Texas to dodge the ball and chain. In the State of Sonora I will forever remain. Farewell to my mother, my friends that are so dear, I would like to see you all again, my lonesome heart to cheer. I have a word to speak, boys, only another to say,— Don't never be a cow-thief, don't never ride a stray; Be careful of your line, boys, and keep it on your tree,— Just suit yourself about it, for it is nothing to me. But if you start to rustling you will come to some sad fate, You will have to go to prison and work for the state. Don't think that I am lying and trying to tell a joke, For the writer has experienced just every word he's spoke. It is better to be honest and let other's stock alone Than to leave your native country and seek a Mexican home. For if you start to rustling you will surely come to see The State of Sonora,—be an outcast just like me. GREER COUNTY (p. 278) Tom Hight is my name, an old bachelor I am, You'll find me out West in the country of fame, You'll find me out West on an elegant plain, And starving to death on my government claim. Hurrah for Greer County! The land of the free, The land of the bed-bug, Grass-hopper and flea; I'll sing of its praises And tell of its fame, While starving to death On my government claim. My house is built of natural sod, Its walls are erected according to hod; Its roof has no pitch but is level and plain, I always get wet if it happens to rain. How happy am I on my government claim, I've nothing to lose, and nothing to gain; I've nothing to eat, I've nothing to wear,— From nothing to nothing is the hardest fare. How happy am I when I crawl into bed,— A rattlesnake hisses a tune at my head, A (p. 279) gay little centipede, all without fear, Crawls over my pillow and into my ear. Now all you claim holders, I hope you will stay And chew your hard tack till you're toothless and gray; But for myself, I'll no longer remain To starve like a dog on my government claim. My clothes are all ragged as my language is rough, My bread is corn dodgers, both solid and tough; But yet I am happy, and live at my ease On sorghum molasses, bacon, and cheese. Good-bye to Greer County where blizzards arise, Where the sun never sinks and a flea never dies, And the wind never ceases but always remains Till it starves us all out on our government claims. Farewell to Greer County, farewell to the West, I'll travel back East to the girl I love best, I'll travel back to Texas and marry me a wife, And quit corn bread for the rest of my life. ROSIN THE BOW (p. 280) I live for the good of my nation And my sons are all growing low, But I hope that my next generation Will resemble Old Rosin the Bow. I have traveled this wide world all over, And now to another I'll go, For I know that good quarters are waiting To welcome Old Rosin the Bow. The gay round of delights I have traveled, Nor will I behind leave a woe, For while my companions are jovial They'll drink to Old Rosin the Bow. This life now is drawn to a closing, All will at last be so, Then we'll take a full bumper at parting To the name of Old Rosin the Bow. When I am laid out on the counter, And the people all anxious to know, Just raise up the lid of the coffin And look at Old Rosin the Bow. And when through the streets my friends bear me, And the ladies are filled with deep woe, They'll (p. 281) come to the doors and the windows And sigh for Old Rosin the Bow. Then get some fine, jovial fellows, And let them all staggering go; Then dig a deep hole in the meadow And in it toss Rosin the Bow. Then get a couple of dornicks, Place one at my head and my toe, And do not forget to scratch on them, "Here lies Old Rosin the Bow." Then let those same jovial fellows Surround my lone grave in a row, While they drink from my favorite bottle The health of Old Rosin the Bow. THE GREAT ROUND-UP (p. 282) When I think of the last great round-up On the eve of eternity's dawn, I think of the past of the cowboys Who have been with us here and are gone. And I wonder if any will greet me On the sands of the evergreen shore With a hearty, "God bless you, old fellow," That I've met with so often before. I think of the big-hearted fellows Who will divide with you blanket and bread, With a piece of stray beef well roasted, And charge for it never a red. I often look upward and wonder If the green fields will seem half so fair, If any the wrong trail have taken And fail to "be in" over there. For the trail that leads down to perdition Is paved all the way with good deeds, But in the great round-up of ages, Dear boys, this won't answer your needs. But the way to the green pastures, though narrow, Leads straight to the home in the sky, And Jesus will give you the passports To the land of the sweet by and by. For (p. 283) the Savior has taken the contract To deliver all those who believe, At the headquarters ranch of his Father, In the great range where none can deceive. The Inspector will stand at the gateway And the herd, one by one, will go by,— The round-up by the angels in judgment Must pass 'neath his all-seeing eye. No maverick or slick will be tallied In the great book of life in his home, For he knows all the brands and the earmarks That down through the ages have come. But, along with the tailings and sleepers, The strays must turn from the gate; No road brand to gain them admission, But the awful sad cry "too late." Yet I trust in the last great round-up When the rider shall cut the big herd, That the cowboys shall be represented In the earmark and brand of the Lord, To be shipped to the bright, mystic regions Over there in green pastures to lie, And led by the crystal still waters In that home of the sweet by and by. THE JOLLY COWBOY (p. 284) My lover, he is a cowboy, he's brave and kind and true, He rides a Spanish pony, he throws a lasso, too; And when he comes to see me our vows we do redeem, He throws his arms around me and thus begins to sing: "Ho, I'm a jolly cowboy, from Texas now I hail, Give me my quirt and pony, I'm ready for the trail; I love the rolling prairies, they're free from care and strife, Behind a herd of longhorns I'll journey all my life. "When early dawn is breaking and we are far away, We fall into our saddles, we round-up all the day; We rope, we brand, we ear-mark, I tell you we are smart, And when the herd is ready, for Kansas then we start. "Oh, I am a Texas cowboy, lighthearted, brave, and free, To roam the wide, wide prairie, 'tis always joy to me. My (p. 285) trusty little pony is my companion true, O'er creeks and hills and rivers he's sure to pull me through. "When threatening clouds do gather and herded lightnings flash, And heavy rain drops splatter, and rolling thunders crash; What keeps the herd from running, stampeding far and wide? The cowboy's long, low whistle and singing by their side. "When in Kansas City, our boss he pays us up, We loaf around the city and take a parting cup; We bid farewell to city life, from noisy crowds we come, And back to dear old Texas, the cowboy's native home." Oh, he is coming back to marry the only girl he loves, He says I am his darling, I am his own true love; Some day we two will marry and then no more he'll roam, But settle down with Mary in a cozy little home. "Ho, I'm a jolly cowboy, from Texas now I hail, Give me my bond to Mary, I'll quit the Lone Star trail. I (p. 286) love the rolling prairies, they're free from care and strife, But I'll quit the herd of longhorns for the sake of my little wife." THE CONVICT (p. 290) When slumbering In my convict cell my childhood days I see, When I was mother's little child and knelt at mother's knee. There my life was peace, I know, I knew no sorrow or pain. Mother dear never did think, I know, I would wear a felon's chain. Clink, clink, clink, clink, clink, Ah, don't you hear the clinking of my chain? Clink, clink, clink, clink, clink, Ah, don't you hear the clinking of my chain? When I had grown to manhood and evil paths I trod, I learned to scorn my fellow-man and even curse my God; And in the evil course I ran for a great length of time Till at last I ran too long and was condemned for a felon's crime. My prison life will soon be o'er, my life will soon be gone,— May (p. 291) the angels waft it heavenward to a bright and happy home. I'll be at rest, sweet, sweet rest, there is rest in the heavenly home; I'll be at rest, sweet, sweet rest, there is rest in the heavenly home. Clink, clink, clink, clink, clink, Ah, don't you hear the clinking of my chain? Clink, clink, clink, clink, clink, Ah, don't you hear the clinking of my chain? JACK O' DIAMONDS (p. 292) O Mollie, O Mollie, it is for your sake alone That I leave my old parents, my house and my home, That I leave my old parents, you caused me to roam,— I am a rabble soldier and Dixie is my home. Jack o' diamonds, Jack o' diamonds, I know you of old, You've robbed my poor pockets Of silver and gold. Whiskey, you villain, You've been my downfall, You've kicked me, you've cuffed me, But I love you for all. My foot's in my stirrup, my bridle's in my hand, I'm going to leave sweet Mollie, the fairest in the land. Her parents don't like me, they say I'm too poor, They say I'm unworthy to enter her door. They say I drink whiskey; my money is my own, And them that don't like me can leave me alone. I'll eat when I'm hungry, I'll drink when I'm dry, And when I get thirsty I'll lay down and cry. It's (p. 293) beefsteak when I'm hungry, And whiskey when I'm dry, Greenbacks when I'm hard up, And heaven when I die. Rye whiskey, rye whiskey, Rye whiskey I cry, If I don't get rye whiskey, I surely will die. O Baby, O Baby, I've told you before, Do make me a pallet, I'll lie on the floor. I will build me a big castle on yonder mountain high, Where my true love can see me when she comes riding by, Where my true love can see me and help me to mourn,— I am a rabble soldier and Dixie is my home. I'll get up in my saddle, my quirt I'll take in hand, I'll think of you, Mollie, when in some far distant land, I'll think of you, Mollie, you caused me to roam,— I am a rabble soldier and Dixie is my home. If the ocean was whiskey, And I was a duck, I'd dive to the bottom To get one sweet sup; But the ocean ain't whiskey, And I ain't a duck, So (p. 294) I'll play Jack o' diamonds And then we'll get drunk. O Baby, O Baby, I've told you before, Do make me a pallet, I'll lie on the floor. I've rambled and trambled this wide world around, But it's for the rabble army, dear Mollie, I'm bound, It is to the rabble army, dear Mollie, I roam,— I am a rabble soldier and Dixie is my home. I have rambled and gambled all my money away, But it's with the rabble army, O Mollie, I must stay, It is with the rabble army, O Mollie I must roam,— I am a rabble soldier and Dixie is my home. Jack o' diamonds, Jack o' diamonds, I know you of old, You've robbed my poor pockets Of silver and gold. Rye whiskey, rye whiskey, Rye whiskey I cry, If you don't give me rye whiskey I'll lie down and die. O Baby, O Baby, I've told you before, Do make me a pallet, I'll lie on the floor. THE COWBOY'S MEDITATION (p. 297) At midnight when the cattle are sleeping On my saddle I pillow my head, And up at the heavens lie peeping From out of my cold, grassy bed,— Often and often I wondered At night when lying alone If every bright star up yonder Is a big peopled world like our own. Are they worlds with their ranges and ranches? Do they ring with rough rider refrains? Do the cowboys scrap there with Comanches And other Red Men of the plains? Are the hills covered over with cattle In those mystic worlds far, far away? Do the ranch-houses ring with the prattle Of sweet little children at play? At night in the bright stars up yonder Do the cowboys lie down to their rest? Do they gaze at this old world and wonder If rough riders dash over its breast? Do they list to the wolves in the canyons? Do they watch the night owl in its flight, With their horse their only companion While guarding the herd through the night? Sometimes (p. 298) when a bright star is twinkling Like a diamond set in the sky, I find myself lying and thinking, It may be God's heaven is nigh. I wonder if there I shall meet her, My mother whom God took away; If in the star-heavens I'll greet her At the round-up that's on the last day. In the east the great daylight is breaking And into my saddle I spring; The cattle from sleep are awakening, The heaven-thoughts from me take wing, The eyes of my bronco are flashing, Impatient he pulls at the reins, And off round the herd I go dashing, A reckless cowboy of the plains. BILLY VENERO (p. 299) Billy Venero heard them say, In an Arizona town one day. That a band of Apache Indians were upon the trail of death; Heard them tell of murder done, Three men killed at Rocky Run, "They're in danger at the cow-ranch," said Venero, under breath. Cow-Ranch, forty miles away, Was a little place that lay In a deep and shady valley of the mighty wilderness; Half a score of homes were there, And in one a maiden fair Held the heart of Billy Venero, Billy Venero's little Bess. So no wonder he grew pale When he heard the cowboy's tale Of the men that he'd seen murdered the day before at Rocky Run. "Sure as there's a God above, I will save the girl I love; By my love for little Bessie I will see that something's done." Not (p. 300) a moment he delayed When his brave resolve was made. "Why man," his comrades told him when they heard of his daring plan, "You are riding straight to death." But he answered, "Save your breath; I may never reach the cow-ranch but I'll do the best I can." As he crossed the alkali All his thoughts flew on ahead To the little band at cow-ranch thinking not of danger near; With his quirt's unceasing whirl And the jingle of his spurs Little brown Chapo bore the cowboy o'er the far away frontier. Lower and lower sank the sun; He drew rein at Rocky Run; "Here those men met death, my Chapo," and he stroked his glossy mane; "So shall those we go to warn Ere the coming of the morn If we fail,—God help my Bessie," and he started on again. Sharp and clear a rifle shot Woke the echoes of the spot. "I (p. 301) am wounded," cried Venero, as he swayed from side to side; "While there's life there's always hope; Slowly onward I will lope,— If I fail to reach the cow-ranch, Bessie Lee shall know I tried. "I will save her yet," he cried, "Bessie Lee shall know I tried," And for her sake then he halted in the shadow of a hill; From his chapareras he took With weak hands a little book; Tore a blank leaf from its pages saying, "This shall be my will." From a limb a pen he broke, And he dipped his pen of oak In the warm blood that was spurting from a wound above his heart. "Rouse," he wrote before too late; "Apache warriors lie in wait. Good-bye, Bess, God bless you darling," and he felt the cold tears start. Then he made his message fast, Love's first message and its last, To the saddle horn he tied it and his lips were white with pain, "Take this message, if not me, Straight (p. 302) to little Bessie Lee;" Then he tied himself to the saddle, and he gave his horse the rein. Just at dusk a horse of brown Wet with sweat came panting down The little lane at the cow-ranch, stopped in front of Bessie's door; But the cowboy was asleep, And his slumbers were so deep, Little Bess could never wake him though she tried for evermore. You have heard the story told By the young and by the old, Away down yonder at the cow-ranch the night the Apaches came; Of that sharp and bloody fight, How the chief fell in the fight And the panic-stricken warriors when they heard Venero's name. And the heavens and earth between Keep a little flower so green That little Bess had planted ere they laid her by his side. DOGIE SONG (p. 303) The cow-bosses are good-hearted chunks, Some short, some heavy, more long; But don't matter what he looks like, They all sing the same old song. On the plains, in the mountains, in the valleys, In the south where the days are long, The bosses are different fellows; Still they sing the same old song. "Sift along, boys, don't ride so slow; Haven't got much time but a long round to go. Quirt him in the shoulders and rake him down the hip; I've cut you toppy mounts, boys, now pair off and rip. Bunch the herd at the old meet, Then beat 'em on the tail; Whip 'em up and down the sides And hit the shortest trail." THE BOOZER (p. 304) I'm a howler from the prairies of the West. If you want to die with terror, look at me. I'm chain-lightning—if I ain't, may I be blessed. I'm the snorter of the boundless prairie. He's a killer and a hater! He's the great annihilator! He's a terror of the boundless prairie. I'm the snoozer from the upper trail! I'm the reveler in murder and in gore! I can bust more Pullman coaches on the rail Than anyone who's worked the job before. He's a snorter and a snoozer. He's the great trunk line abuser. He's the man who puts the sleeper on the rail. I'm the double-jawed hyena from the East. I'm the blazing, bloody blizzard of the States. I'm the celebrated slugger; I'm the Beast. I can snatch a man bald-headed while he waits. He's a double-jawed hyena! He's the villain of the scena! He can snatch a man bald-headed while he waits. DRINKING SONG (p. 305) Drink that rot gut, drink that rot gut, Drink that red eye, boys; It don't make a damn wherever we land, We hit her up for joy. We've lived in the saddle and ridden trail, Drink old Jordan, boys, We'll go whooping and yelling, we'll all go a-helling; Drink her to our joy. Whoop-ee! drink that rot gut, drink that red nose, Whenever you get to town; Drink it straight and swig it mighty, Till the world goes round and round! A FRAGMENT (p. 306) I'd rather hear a rattler rattle, I'd rather buck stampeding cattle, I'd rather go to a greaser battle, Than— Than to— Than to fight— Than to fight the bloody In-ji-ans. I'd rather eat a pan of dope, I'd rather ride without a rope, I'd rather from this country lope, Than— Than to— Than to fight— Than to fight the bloody In-ji-ans. A MAN NAMED HODS (p. 307) Come, all you old cowpunchers, a story I will tell, And if you'll all be quiet, I sure will sing it well; And if you boys don't like it, you sure can go to hell. Back in the day when I was young, I knew a man named Hods; He wasn't fit fer nothin' 'cep turnin' up the clods. But he came west in fifty-three, behind a pair of mules, And 'twas hard to tell between the three which was the biggest fools. Up on the plains old Hods he got and there his trouble began. Oh, he sure did get in trouble,—and old Hodsie wasn't no man. He met a bunch of Indian bucks led by Geronimo, And what them Indians did to him, well, shorely I don't know. But they lifted off old Hodsie's skelp and left him out to die, And if it hadn't been for me, he'd been in the sweet by and by. But (p. 308) I packed him back to Santa Fé and there I found his mules, For them dad-blamed two critters had got the Indians fooled. I don't know how they done it, but they shore did get away, And them two mules is livin' up to this very day. Old Hodsie's feet got toughened up, he got to be a sport, He opened up a gamblin' house and a place of low resort; He got the prettiest dancing girls that ever could be found,— Them girls' feet was like rubber balls and they never staid on the ground. And then thar came Billy the Kid, he envied Hodsie's wealth, He told old Hods to leave the town, 'twould be better for his health; Old Hodsie took the hint and got, but he carried all his wealth. And he went back to Noo York State with lots of dinero, And now they say he's senator, but of that I shore don't know. A FRAGMENT (p. 309) I am fur from my sweetheart And she is fur from me, And when I'll see my sweetheart I can't tell when 'twill be. But I love her just the same, No matter where I roam; And that there girl will wait fur me Whenever I come home. I've roamed the Texas prairies, I've followed the cattle trail, I've rid a pitching pony Till the hair came off his tail. I've been to cowboy dances, I've kissed the Texas girls, But they ain't none what can compare With my own sweetheart's curls. THE LONE STAR TRAIL (p. 310) I'm a rowdy cowboy just off the stormy plains, My trade is girting saddles and pulling bridle reins. Oh, I can tip the lasso, it is with graceful ease; I rope a streak of lightning, and ride it where I please. My bosses they all like me, they say I am hard to beat; I give them the bold standoff, you bet I have got the cheek. I always work for wages, my pay I get in gold; I am bound to follow the longhorn steer until I am too old. Ci yi yip yip yip pe ya. I am a Texas cowboy and I do ride the range; My trade is cinches and saddles and ropes and bridle reins; With Stetson hat and jingling spurs and leather up to the knees, Gray backs as big as chili beans and fighting like hell with fleas. And if I had a little stake, I soon would married be, But another week and I must go, the boss said so to-day. My (p. 311) girl must cheer up courage and choose some other one, For I am bound to follow the Lone Star Trail until my race is run. Ci yi yip yip yip pe ya. It almost breaks my heart for to have to go away, And leave my own little darling, my sweetheart so far away. But when I'm out on the Lone Star Trail often I'll think of thee, Of my own dear girl, the darling one, the one I would like to see. And when I get to a shipping point, I'll get on a little spree To drive away the sorrow for the girl that once loved me. And though red licker stirs us up we're bound to have our fun, And I intend to follow the Lone Star Trail until my race is run. Ci yi yip yip yip pe ya. I went up the Lone Star Trail in eighteen eighty-three; I fell in love with a pretty miss and she in love with me. "When you get to Kansas write and let me know; And (p. 312) if you get in trouble, your bail I'll come and go." When I got up in Kansas, I had a pleasant dream; I dreamed I was down on Trinity, down on that pleasant stream; I dreampt my true love right beside me, she come to go my bail; I woke up broken hearted with a yearling by the tail. Ci yi yip yip yip pe ya. In came my jailer about nine o'clock, A bunch of keys was in his hand, my cell door to unlock, Saying, "Cheer up, my prisoner, I heard some voice say You're bound to hear your sentence some time to-day." In came my mother about ten o'clock, Saying, "O my loving Johnny, what sentence have you got?" "The jury found me guilty and the judge a-standin' by Has sent me down to Huntsville to lock me up and die." Ci yi yip yip yip pe ya. Down come the jailer, just about eleven o'clock, With a bunch of keys all in his hand the cell doors to unlock, Saying, (p. 313) "Cheer up, my prisoner, I heard the jury say Just ten long years in Huntsville you're bound to go and stay." Down come my sweetheart, ten dollars in her hand, Saying, "Give this to my cowboy, 'tis all that I command; O give this to my cowboy and think of olden times, Think of the darling that he has left behind." Ci yi yip yip yip pe ya. WAY DOWN IN MEXICO (p. 314) O boys, we're goin' far to-night, Yeo-ho, yeo-ho! We'll take the greasers now in hand And drive 'em in the Rio Grande, Way down in Mexico. We'll hang old Santa Anna soon, Yeo-ho, yeo-ho! And all the greaser soldiers, too, To the chune of Yankee Doodle Doo, Way down in Mexico. We'll scatter 'em like flocks of sheep, Yeo-ho, yeo-ho! We'll mow 'em down with rifle ball And plant our flag right on their wall, Way down in Mexico. Old Rough and Ready, he's a trump, Yeo-ho, yeo-ho! He'll wipe old Santa Anna out And put the greasers all to rout, Way down in Mexico. Then we'll march back by and by, Yeo-ho, yeo-ho! And kiss the gals we left to home And never more we'll go and roam, Way down in Mexico. RATTLESNAKE—A RANCH HAYING SONG (p. 315) A nice young ma-wa-wan Lived on a hi-wi-will; A nice young ma-wa-wan, For I knew him we-we-well. To my rattle, to my roo-rah-ree! This nice young ma-wa-wan Went out to mo-wo-wow To see if he-we-we Could make a sho-wo-wow. To my rattle, to my roo-rah-ree! He scarcely mo-wo-wowed Half round the fie-we-wield Till up jumped—come a rattle, come a sna-wa-wake, And bit him on the he-we-weel. To my rattle, to my roo-rah-ree! He laid right dow-we-wown Upon the gro-wo-wound And shut his ey-wy-wyes And looked all aro-wo-wound. To my rattle, to my roo-rah-ree! "O (p. 316) pappy da-wa-wad, Go tell my ga-wa-wal That I'm a-goin' ter di-wi-wie, For I know I sha-wa-wall." To my rattle, to my roo-rah-ree! "O pappy da-wa-wad, Go spread the ne-wu-wus; And here come Sa-wa-wall Without her sho-woo-woos." To my rattle, to my roo-rah-ree! "O John, O Joh-wa-wahn, Why did you go-wo-wo Way down in the mea-we-we-dow So far to mo-wo-wow?" To my rattle, to my roo-rah-ree! "O Sal, O Sa-wa-wall, Why don't you kno-wo-wow When the grass gits ri-wi-wipe, It must be mo-wo-woed?" To my rattle, to my roo-rah-ree! Come all young gir-wi-wirls And shed a tea-we-wear For (p. 317) this young ma-wa-wan That died right he-we-were. To my rattle, to my roo-rah-ree! Come all young me-we-wen And warning ta-wa-wake, And don't get bi-wi-wit By a rattle sna-wa-wake. To my rattle, to my roo-rah-ree! THE RAILROAD CORRAL (p. 318) Oh we're up in the morning ere breaking of day, The chuck wagon's busy, the flapjacks in play; The herd is astir o'er hillside and vale, With the night riders rounding them into the trail. Oh, come take up your cinches, come shake out your reins; Come wake your old broncho and break for the plains; Come roust out your steers from the long chaparral, For the outfit is off to the railroad corral. The sun circles upward; the steers as they plod Are pounding to powder the hot prairie sod; And it seems as the dust makes you dizzy and sick That we'll never reach noon and the cool, shady creek. But tie up your kerchief and ply up your nag; Come dry up your grumbles and try not to lag; Come with your steers from the long chaparral, For we're far on the road to the railroad corral. The afternoon shadows are starting to lean, When the chuck wagon sticks in the marshy ravine; The herd scatters farther than vision can look, For (p. 319) you can bet all true punchers will help out the cook. Come shake out your rawhide and snake it up fair; Come break your old broncho to take in his share; Come from your steers in the long chaparral, For 'tis all in the drive to the railroad corral. But the longest of days must reach evening at last, The hills all climbed, the creeks all past; The tired herd droops in the yellowing light; Let them loaf if they will, for the railroad's in sight So flap up your holster and snap up your belt, And strap up your saddle whose lap you have felt; Good-bye to the steers from the long chaparral, For there's a town that's a trunk by the railroad corral. THE SONG OF THE "METIS" TRAPPER (p. 320) By Rolette Hurrah for the great white way! Hurrah for the dog and sledge! As we snow-shoe along, We give them a song, With a snap of the whip and an urgent "mush on,"— Hurrah for the great white way! Hurrah! Hurrah for the snow and the ice! As we follow the trail, We call to the dogs with whistle and song, And reply to their talk With only "mush on, mush on"! Hurrah for the snow and the ice! Hurrah! Hurrah for the gun and the trap,— As we follow the lines By the rays of the mystic light That flames in the north with banners so bright, As we list to its swish, swish, swish, through the air all night, Hurrah for the gun and the trap! Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah (p. 321) for the fire and cold! As we lie in the robes all night. And list to the howl of the wolf; For we emptied the pot of the tea so hot, And a king on his throne might envy our lot,— Hurrah for the fire and cold! Hurrah! Hurrah for our black-haired girls, Who brave the storms of the mountain heights And follow us on the great white way; For their eyes so bright light the way all right And guide us to shelter and warmth each night. Hurrah for our black-haired girls! Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! THE CAMP FIRE HAS GONE OUT (p. 322) Through progress of the railroads our occupation's gone; So we will put ideas into words, our words into a song. First comes the cowboy, he is pointed for the west; Of all the pioneers I claim the cowboys are the best; You will miss him on the round-up, it's gone, his merry shout,— The cowboy has left the country and the campfire has gone out. There is the freighters, our companions, you've got to leave this land, Can't drag your loads for nothing through the gumbo and the sand. The railroads are bound to beat you when you do your level best; So give it up to the grangers and strike out for the west. Bid them all adieu and give the merry shout,— The cowboy has left the country and the campfire has gone out. When I think of those good old days, my eyes with tears do fill; When (p. 323) I think of the tin can by the fire and the cayote on the hill. I'll tell you, boys, in those days old-timers stood a show,— Our pockets full of money, not a sorrow did we know. But things have changed now, we are poorly clothed and fed. Our wagons are all broken and our ponies most all dead. Soon we will leave this country, you'll hear the angels shout, "Oh, here they come to Heaven, the campfire has gone out." NIGHT-HERDING SONG (p. 324) By Harry Stephens Oh, slow up, dogies, quit your roving round, You have wandered and tramped all over the ground; Oh, graze along, dogies, and feed kinda slow, And don't forever be on the go,— Oh, move slow, dogies, move slow. Hi-oo, hi-oo, oo-oo. I have circle-herded, trail-herded, night-herded, and cross-herded, too, But to keep you together, that's what I can't do; My horse is leg weary and I'm awful tired, But if I let you get away I'm sure to get fired,— Bunch up, little dogies, bunch up. Hi-oo, hi-oo, oo-oo. O say, little dogies, when you goin' to lay down And quit this forever siftin' around? My limbs are weary, my seat is sore; Oh, lay down, dogies, like you've laid before,— Lay down, little dogies, lay down. Hi-oo, hi-oo, oo-oo. Oh, (p. 325) lay still, dogies, since you have laid down, Stretch away out on the big open ground; Snore loud, little dogies, and drown the wild sound That will all go away when the day rolls round,— Lay still, little dogies, lay still. Hi-oo, hi-oo, oo-oo. . . . . . . TAIL PIECE (p. 326) Oh, the cow-puncher loves the whistle of his rope, As he races over the plains; And the stage-driver loves the popper of his whip, And the rattle of his concord chains; And we'll all pray the Lord that we will be saved, And we'll keep the golden rule; But I'd rather be home with the girl I love Than to monkey with this goddamn'd mule. . . . . . . . . . . . THE HABIT[5] (p. 327) I've beat my way wherever any winds have blown, I've bummed along from Portland down to San Antone, From Sandy Hook to Frisco, over gulch and hill; For once you git the habit, why, you can't keep still. I settles down quite frequent and I says, says I, "I'll never wander further till I comes to die." But the wind it sorta chuckles, "Why, o' course you will," And shure enough I does it, cause I can't keep still. I've seed a lot o' places where I'd like to stay, But I gets a feelin' restless and I'm on my way. I was never meant for settin' on my own door sill, And once you git the habit, why, you can't keep still. I've been in rich men's houses and I've been in jail, But when it's time for leavin', I jes hits the trail; I'm a human bird of passage, and the song I trill, Is, "Once you git the habit, why, you can't keep still." The (p. 328) sun is sorta coaxin' and the road is clear And the wind is singin' ballads that I got to hear. It ain't no use to argue when you feel the thrill; For once you git the habit, why, you can't keep still. OLD PAINT[6] (p. 329) REFRAIN: Goodbye, Old Paint, I'm a-leavin' Cheyenne, Goodbye, Old Paint, I'm a-leavin' Cheyenne,— My foot in the stirrup, my pony won't stand; Goodbye, Old Paint, I'm a-leavin' Cheyenne. I'm a-leavin' Cheyenne, I'm off for Montan'; Goodbye, Old Paint, I'm a-leavin' Cheyenne. I'm a ridin' Old Paint, I'm a-leadin' old Fan; Goodbye, Old Paint, I'm a-leavin' Cheyenne. With my feet in the stirrups, my bridle in my hand; Goodbye, Old Paint, I'm a-leavin' Cheyenne. Old Paint's a good pony, he paces when he can; Goodbye, little Annie, I'm off for Cheyenne. Oh, hitch up your horses and feed 'em some hay, And seat yourself by me so long as you stay. My (p. 330) horses ain't hungry, they'll not eat your hay; My wagon is loaded and rolling away. My foot in my stirrup, my reins in my hand; Good-morning, young lady, my horses won't stand. Goodbye, Old Paint, I'm a-leavin' Cheyenne. Goodbye, Old Paint, I'm a-leavin' Cheyenne. DOWN SOUTH ON THE RIO GRANDE (p. 331) From way down south on the Rio Grande, Roll on steers for the Post Oak Sand,— Way down south in Dixie, Oh, boys, Ho. You'd laugh fur to see that fellow a-straddle Of a mustang mare on a raw-hide saddle,— Way down south in Dixie, Oh, boys, Ho. Rich as a king, and he wouldn't be bigger Fur a pitchin' hoss and a lame old nigger,— Way down south in Dixie, Oh, boys, Ho. Ole Abe kep' gettin' bigger an' bigger, 'Til he bust hisself 'bout a lame old nigger,— Way down south in Dixie, Oh, boys, Ho. Old Jeff swears he'll sew him together With powder and shot instead of leather,— Way down south in Dixie, Oh, boys, Ho. Kin cuss an' fight an' hold or free 'em, But I know them mavericks when I see 'em,— Way down south in Dixie, Oh, boys, Ho. SILVER JACK[7] (p. 332) I was on the drive in eighty Working under Silver Jack, Which the same is now in Jackson And ain't soon expected back, And there was a fellow 'mongst us By the name of Robert Waite; Kind of cute and smart and tonguey Guess he was a graduate. He could talk on any subject From the Bible down to Hoyle, And his words flowed out so easy, Just as smooth and slick as oil, He was what they call a skeptic, And he loved to sit and weave Hifalutin' words together Tellin' what he didn't believe. One day we all were sittin' round Smokin' nigger head tobacco And hearing Bob expound; Hell, he said, was all a humbug, And he made it plain as day That the Bible was a fable; And (p. 333) we lowed it looked that way. Miracles and such like Were too rank for him to stand, And as for him they called the Savior He was just a common man. "You're a liar," someone shouted, "And you've got to take it back." Then everybody started,— 'Twas the words of Silver Jack. And he cracked his fists together And he stacked his duds and cried, "'Twas in that thar religion That my mother lived and died; And though I haven't always Used the Lord exactly right, Yet when I hear a chump abuse him He's got to eat his words or fight." Now, this Bob he weren't no coward And he answered bold and free: "Stack your duds and cut your capers, For there ain't no flies on me." And they fit for forty minutes And the crowd would whoop and cheer When Jack spit up a tooth or two, Or when Bobby lost an ear. But at last Jack got him under And he slugged him onct or twict, And (p. 334) straightway Bob admitted The divinity of Christ. But Jack kept reasoning with him Till the poor cuss gave a yell And lowed he'd been mistaken In his views concerning hell. Then the fierce encounter ended And they riz up from the ground And someone brought a bottle out And kindly passed it round. And we drank to Bob's religion In a cheerful sort o' way, But the spread of infidelity Was checked in camp that day. THE COWBOY'S CHRISTMAS BALL[8] (p. 335) Way out in Western Texas, where the Clear Fork's waters flow, Where the cattle are a-browzin' and the Spanish ponies grow; Where the Northers come a-whistlin' from beyond the Neutral Strip; And the prairie dogs are sneezin', as though they had the grip; Where the coyotes come a-howlin' round the ranches after dark, And the mockin' birds are singin' to the lovely medder lark; Where the 'possum and the badger and the rattlesnakes abound, And the monstrous stars are winkin' o'er a wilderness profound; Where lonesome, tawny prairies melt into airy streams, While (p. 336) the Double Mountains slumber in heavenly kinds of dreams; Where the antelope is grazin' and the lonely plovers call,— It was there I attended the Cowboy's Christmas Ball. The town was Anson City, old Jones' county seat, Where they raised Polled Angus cattle and waving whiskered wheat; Where the air is soft and bammy and dry and full of health, Where the prairies is explodin' with agricultural wealth; Where they print the Texas Western, that Hec McCann supplies With news and yarns and stories, of most amazing size; Where Frank Smith "pulls the badger" on knowing tenderfeet, And Democracy's triumphant and mighty hard to beat; Where lives that good old hunter, John Milsap, from Lamar, Who used to be the sheriff "back east in Paris, sah"! 'Twas there, I say, at Anson with the lovely Widder Wall, That I went to that reception, the Cowboy's Christmas Ball. The (p. 337) boys had left the ranches and come to town in piles; The ladies, kinder scatterin', had gathered in for miles. And yet the place was crowded, as I remember well, 'Twas gave on this occasion at the Morning Star Hotel. The music was a fiddle and a lively tambourine, And a viol came imported, by the stage from Abilene. The room was togged out gorgeous—with mistletoe and shawls, And the candles flickered festious, around the airy walls. The wimmen folks looked lovely—the boys looked kinder treed, Till the leader commenced yelling, "Whoa, fellers, let's stampede," And the music started sighing and a-wailing through the hall As a kind of introduction to the Cowboy's Christmas Ball. The leader was a feller that came from Swenson's ranch,— They called him Windy Billy from Little Deadman's Branch. His rig was kinder keerless,—big spurs and high heeled boots; He had the reputation that comes when fellers shoots. His (p. 338) voice was like the bugle upon the mountain height; His feet were animated, and a mighty movin' sight, When he commenced to holler, "Now fellers, shake your pen! Lock horns ter all them heifers and rustle them like men; Saloot yer lovely critters; neow swing and let 'em go; Climb the grapevine round 'em; neow all hands do-ce-do! You maverick, jine the round-up,—jes skip the waterfall," Huh! hit was getting active, the Cowboy's Christmas Ball. The boys was tolerable skittish, the ladies powerful neat, That old bass viol's music just got there with both feet! That wailin', frisky fiddle, I never shall forget; And Windy kept a-singin'—I think I hear him yet— "Oh, X's, chase yer squirrels, and cut 'em to our side; Spur Treadwell to the center, with Cross P Charley's bride, Doc Hollis down the center, and twine the ladies' chain, Van Andrews, pen the fillies in big T Diamond's train. All (p. 339) pull your freight together, neow swallow fork and change; Big Boston, lead the trail herd through little Pitchfork's range. Purr round yer gentle pussies, neow rope and balance all!" Huh! Hit were gettin' active—the Cowboy's Christmas Ball. The dust riz fast and furious; we all jes galloped round, Till the scenery got so giddy that T Bar Dick was downed. We buckled to our partners and told 'em to hold on, Then shook our hoofs like lightning until the early dawn. Don't tell me 'bout cotillions, or germans. No sir-ee! That whirl at Anson City jes takes the cake with me. I'm sick of lazy shufflin's, of them I've had my fill, Give me a frontier break-down backed up by Windy Bill. McAllister ain't nowhere, when Windy leads the show; I've seen 'em both in harness and so I ought ter know. Oh, Bill, I shan't forget yer, and I oftentimes recall That lively gaited sworray—the Cowboy's Christmas Ball. PINTO (p. 340) I am a vaquero by trade; To handle my rope I'm not afraid. I lass' an otero by the two horns Throw down the biggest that ever was born. Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Pinto, whoa! My name to you I will not tell; For what's the use, you know me so well. The girls all love me, and cry When I leave them to join the rodero. Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Pinto, whoa! I am a vaquero, and here I reside; Show me the broncho I cannot ride. They say old Pinto with one split ear Is the hardest jumping broncho on the rodero. Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Pinto, whoa! There strayed to our camp an iron gray colt; The boys were all fraid him so on him I bolt. You bet I stayed with him till cheer after cheer,— "He's the broncho twister that's on the rodero." Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Pinto, whoa! My (p. 341) story is ended, old Pinto is dead; I'm going down Laredo and paint the town red. I'm going up to Laredo and set up the beer To all the cowboys that's on the rodero. Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Pinto, whoa! THE GAL I LEFT BEHIND ME (p. 342) I struck the trail in seventy-nine, The herd strung out behind me; As I jogged along my mind ran back For the gal I left behind me. That sweet little gal, that true little gal, The gal I left behind me! If ever I get off the trail And the Indians they don't find me, I'll make my way straight back again To the gal I left behind me. That sweet little gal, that true little gal, The gal I left behind me! The wind did blow, the rain did flow, The hail did fall and blind me; I thought of that gal, that sweet little gal, That gal I'd left behind me! That sweet little gal, that true little gal, The gal I left behind me! She wrote ahead to the place I said, I was always glad to find it. She says, "I am true, when you get through Right back here you will find me." That (p. 343) sweet little gal, that true little gal, The gal I left behind me! When we sold out I took the train, I knew where I would find her; When I got back we had a smack And that was no gol-darned liar. That sweet little gal, that true little gal, The gal I left behind me! BILLY THE KID (p. 344) Billy was a bad man And carried a big gun, He was always after Greasers And kept 'em on the run. He shot one every morning, For to make his morning meal. And let a white man sass him, He was shore to feel his steel. He kept folks in hot water, And he stole from many a stage; And when he was full of liquor He was always in a rage. But one day he met a man Who was a whole lot badder. And now he's dead, And we ain't none the sadder. THE HELL-BOUND TRAIN (p. 345) A Texas cowboy lay down on a bar-room floor. Having drunk so much he could drink no more; So he fell asleep with a troubled brain To dream that he rode on a hell-bound train. The engine with murderous blood was damp And was brilliantly lit with a brimstone lamp; An imp, for fuel, was shoveling bones, While the furnace rang with a thousand groans. The boiler was filled with lager beer And the devil himself was the engineer; The passengers were a most motley crew,— Church member, atheist, Gentile, and Jew, Rich men in broadcloth, beggars in rags, Handsome young ladies, and withered old hags, Yellow and black men, red, brown, and white. All chained together,—O God, what a sight! While the train rushed on at an awful pace, The sulphurous fumes scorched their hands and face; Wider and wider the country grew, As faster and faster the engine flew. Louder (p. 346) and louder the thunder crashed And brighter and brighter the lightning flashed; Hotter and hotter the air became Till the clothes were burnt from each quivering frame. And out of the distance there arose a yell, "Ha, ha," said the devil, "we're nearing hell!" Then oh, how the passengers all shrieked with pain And begged the devil to stop the train. But he capered about and danced for glee And laughed and joked at their misery. "My faithful friends, you have done the work And the devil never can a payday shirk. "You've bullied the weak, you've robbed the poor; The starving brother you've turned from the door, You've laid up gold where the canker rust, And have given free vent to your beastly lust. "You've justice scorned, and corruption sown, And trampled the laws of nature down. You have drunk, rioted, cheated, plundered, and lied, And mocked at God in your hell-born pride. "You have paid full fare so I'll carry you through; For it's only right you should have your due. Why, the laborer always expects his hire, So I'll land you safe in the lake of fire. "Where (p. 347) your flesh will waste in the flames that roar, And my imps torment you forever more." Then the cowboy awoke with an anguished cry, His clothes wet with sweat and his hair standing high. Then he prayed as he never had prayed till that hour To be saved from his sin and the demon's power. And his prayers and his vows were not in vain; For he never rode the hell-bound train. THE OLD SCOUT'S LAMENT (p. 348) Come all of you, my brother scouts, And listen to my song; Come, let us sing together Though the shadows fall so long. Of all the old frontiersmen That used to scour the plain There are but very few of them That with us yet remain. Day after day they're dropping off, They're going one by one; Our clan is fast decreasing, Our race is almost run. There are many of our number That never wore the blue, But faithfully they did their part As brave men, tried and true. They never joined the army, But had other work to do In piloting the coming folks, To help them safely through. But (p. 349) brothers, we are failing, Our race is almost run; The days of elk and buffalo And beaver traps are gone— Oh, the days of elk and buffalo! It fills my heart with pain To know these days are past and gone To never come again. We fought the red-skin rascals Over valley, hill, and plain; We fought him in the mountain top, We fought him down again. These fighting days are over. The Indian yell resounds No more along the border; Peace sends far sweeter sounds. But we found great joy, old comrades, To hear and make it die; We won bright homes for gentle ones, And now, our West, good-bye. THE DESERTED ADOBE (p. 350) Round the 'dobe rank sands are thickly blowin', Its ridges fill the deserted field; Yet on this claim young lives once hope were sowing For all the years might yield; And in strong hands the echoing hoof pursuin' A wooden share turned up the sod, The toiler brave drank deep the fresh air's brewin' And sang content to God. The toiler brave drank deep the fresh air's brewin' And sang content to God. A woman fair and sweet has smilin' striven Through long and lonesome hours; A blue-eyed babe, a bit of earthly heaven, Laughed at the sun's hot towers; A bow of promise made this desert splendid, This 'dobe was their pride. But what began so well, alas, has ended—, The promise died. But what began so well alas soon ended—, The promise died. Their plans and dreams, their cheerful labor wasted In dry and mis-spent years; The spring was sweet, the summer bitter tasted, The (p. 351) autumn salt with tears. Now "gyp" and sand do hide their one-time yearnin'; 'Twas theirs; 'tis past. God's ways are strange, we take so long in learnin', To fail at last. God's ways are strange, we take so long in learnin', To fail at last. THE COWBOY AT WORK (p. 352) You may call the cowboy horned and think him hard to tame, You may heap vile epithets upon his head; But to know him is to like him, notwithstanding his hard name, For he will divide with you his beef and bread. If you see him on his pony as he scampers o'er the plain, You would think him wild and woolly, to be sure; But his heart is warm and tender when he sees a friend in need, Though his education is but to endure. When the storm breaks in its fury and the lightning's vivid flash Makes you thank the Lord for shelter and for bed, Then it is he mounts his pony and away you see him dash, No protection but the hat upon his head. Such is life upon a cow ranch, and the half was never told; But you never find a kinder-hearted set Than (p. 353) the cattleman at home, be he either young or old, He's a "daisy from away back," don't forget. When you fail to find a pony or a cow that's gone a-stray, Be that cow or pony wild or be it tame, The cowboy, like the drummer,—and the bed-bug, too, they say,— Brings him to you, for he gets there just the same. HERE'S TO THE RANGER! (p. 354) He leaves unplowed his furrow, He leaves his books unread For a life of tented freedom By lure of danger led. He's first in the hour of peril, He's gayest in the dance, Like the guardsman of old England Or the beau sabreur of France. He stands our faithful bulwark Against our savage foe; Through lonely woodland places Our children come and go; Our flocks and herds untended O'er hill and valley roam, The Ranger in the saddle Means peace for us at home. Behold our smiling farmsteads Where waves the golden grain! Beneath yon tree, earth's bosom Was dark with crimson stain. That bluff the death-shot echoed Of husband, father, slain! God (p. 355) grant such sight of horror We never see again! The gay and hardy Ranger, His blanket on the ground, Lies by the blazing camp-fire While song and tale goes round; And if one voice is silent, One fails to hear the jest, They know his thoughts are absent With her who loves him best. Our state, her sons confess it, That queenly, star-crowned brow, Has darkened with the shadow Of lawlessness ere now; And men of evil passions On her reproach have laid, But that the ready Ranger Rode promptly to her aid. He may not win the laurel Nor trumpet tongue of fame; But beauty smiles upon him, And ranchmen bless his name. Then here's to the Texas Ranger, Past, present and to come! Our safety from the savage, The guardian of our home. MUSTER OUT THE RANGER (p. 356) Yes, muster them out, the valiant band That guards our western home. What matter to you in your eastern land If the raiders here should come? No danger that you shall awake at night To the howls of a savage band; So muster them out, though the morning light Find havoc on every hand. Some dear one is sick and the horses all gone, So we can't for a doctor send; The outlaws were in in the light of the morn And no Rangers here to defend. For they've mustered them out, the brave true band, Untiring by night and day. The fearless scouts of this border land Made the taxes high, they say. Have fewer men in the capitol walls, Fewer tongues in the war of words, But add to the Rangers, the living wall That keeps back the bandit hordes. Have fewer dinners, less turtle soup, If the taxes are too high. There (p. 357) are many other and better ways To lower them if they try. Don't waste so much of your money Printing speeches people don't read. If you'd only take off what's used for that 'Twould lower the tax indeed. Don't use so much sugar and lemons; Cold water is just as good For a constant drink in the summer time And better for the blood. But leave us the Rangers to guard us still, Nor think that they cost too dear; For their faithful watch over vale and hill Gives our loved ones naught to fear. A COW CAMP ON THE RANGE (p. 358) Oh, the prairie dogs are screaming, And the birds are on the wing, See the heel fly chase the heifer, boys! 'Tis the first class sign of spring. The elm wood is budding, The earth is turning green. See the pretty things of nature That make life a pleasant dream! I'm just living through the winter To enjoy the coming change, For there is no place so homelike As a cow camp on the range. The boss is smiling radiant, Radiant as the setting sun; For he knows he's stealing glories, For he ain't a-cussin' none. The cook is at the chuck-box Whistling "Heifers in the Green," Making baking powder biscuits, boys, While the pot is biling beans. The boys untie their bedding And unroll it on the run, For (p. 359) they are in a monstrous hurry For the supper's almost done. "Here's your bloody wolf bait," Cried the cook's familiar voice As he climbed the wagon wheel To watch the cowboys all rejoice. Then all thoughts were turned from reverence To a plate of beef and beans, As we graze on beef and biscuits Like yearlings on the range. To the dickens with your city Where they herd the brainless brats, On a range so badly crowded There ain't room to cuss the cat. This life is not so sumptuous, I'm not longing for a change, For there is no place so homelike As a cow camp on the range. FRECKLES. A FRAGMENT (p. 360) He was little an' peaked an' thin, an' narry a no account horse,— Least that's the way you'd describe him in case that the beast had been lost; But, for single and double cussedness an' for double fired sin, The horse never came out o' Texas that was half-way knee-high to him! The first time that ever I saw him was nineteen years ago last spring; 'Twas the year we had grasshoppers, that come an' et up everything, That a feller rode up here one evenin' an' wanted to pen over night A small bunch of horses, he said; an' I told him I guessed 'twas all right. Well, the feller was busted, the horses was thin, an' the grass round here kind of good, An' he said if I'd let him hold here a few days he'd settle with me when he could. So (p. 361) I told him all right, turn them loose down the draw, that the latch string was always untied, He was welcome to stop a few days if he wished and rest from his weary ride. Well, the cuss stayed around for two or three weeks, till at last he was ready to go; And that cuss out yonder bein' too poor to move, he gimme,—the cuss had no dough. Well, at first the darn brute was as wild as a deer, an' would snort when he came to the branch, An' it took two cow punchers, on good horses, too, to handle him here at the ranch. Well, the winter came on an' the range it got hard, an' my mustang commenced to get thin, So I fed him some an' rode him around, an' found out old Freckles was game. For that was what the other cuss called him,—just Freckles, no more or no less,— His color,—couldn't describe it,—something like a paint shop in distress. Them was Indian times, young feller, that I am telling about; An' oft's the time I've seen the red man fight an' put the boys to rout. A good horse in them days, young feller, would save your life,— One that in any race could hold the pace when the red-skin bands were rife. <hr class="small"> WHOSE OLD COW? (p. 362) 'Twas the end of round-up, the last day of June, Or maybe July, I don't remember, Or it might have been August, 'twas some time ago, Or perhaps 'twas the first of September. Anyhow, 'twas the round-up we had at Mayou On the Lightning Rod's range, near Cayo; There were some twenty wagons, more or less, camped about On the temporal in the cañon. First night we'd no cattle, so we only stood guard On the horses, somewhere near two hundred head; So we side-lined and hoppled, we belled and we staked, Loosed our hot-rolls and fell into bed. Next morning 'bout day break we started our work, Our horses, like 'possums, felt fine. Each one "tendin' knittin'," none tryin' to shirk! So the round-up got on in good time. Well, (p. 363) we worked for a week till the country was clean And the bosses said, "Now, boys, we'll stay here. We'll carve and we'll trim 'em and start out a herd Up the east trail from old Abilene." Next morning all on herd, and but two with the cut, And the boss on Piute, carving fine, Till he rode down his horse and had to pull out, And a new man went in to clean up. Well, after each outfit had worked on the band There was only three head of them left; When Nig Add from L F D outfit rode in,— A dictionary on earmarks and brands. He cut the two head out, told where they belonged; But when the last cow stood there alone Add's eyes bulged so he didn't know just what to say, 'Ceptin', "Boss, dere's something here monstrous wrong! "White folks smarter'n Add, and maybe I'se wrong; But here's six months' wages dat I'll give If anyone'll tell me when I reads dis mark To who dis longhorned cow belong! "Overslope in right ear an' de underbill, Lef' ear swaller fork an' de undercrop, Hole punched in center, an' de jinglebob Under half crop, an' de slash an' split. "She's (p. 364) got O Block an' Lightnin' Rod, Nine Forty-Six an' A Bar Eleven, T Terrapin an' Ninety-Seven, Rafter Cross an' de Double Prod. "Half circle A an' Diamond D, Four Cross L and Three P Z, B W I bar, X V V, Bar N cross an' A L C. "So, if none o' you punchers claims dis cow, Mr. Stock 'Sociation needn't git 'larmed; For one more brand more or less won't do no harm, So old Nigger Add'l just brand her now." OLD TIME COWBOY (p. 365) Come all you melancholy folks wherever you may be, I'll sing you about the cowboy whose life is light and free. He roams about the prairie, and, at night when he lies down, His heart is as gay as the flowers in May in his bed upon the ground. They're a little bit rough, I must confess, the most of them, at least; But if you do not hunt a quarrel you can live with them in peace; For if you do, you're sure to rue the day you joined their band. They will follow you up and shoot it out with you just man to man. Did you ever go to a cowboy whenever hungry and dry, Asking for a dollar, and have him you deny? He'll just pull out his pocket book and hand you a note,— They are the fellows to help you whenever you are broke. Go (p. 366) to their ranches and stay a while, they never ask a cent; And when they go to town, their money is freely spent. They walk straight up and take a drink, paying for every one, And they never ask your pardon for anything they've done. When they go to their dances, some dance while others pat They ride their bucking bronchos, and wear their broad-brimmed hats; With their California saddles, and their pants stuck in their boots, You can hear their spurs a-jingling, and perhaps some of them shoots. Come all soft-hearted tenderfeet, if you want to have some fun; Go live among the cowboys, they'll show you how it's done. They'll treat you like a prince, my boys, about them there's nothing mean; But don't try to give them too much advice, for all of them ain't green. BUCKING BRONCHO (p. 367) My love is a rider, wild bronchos he breaks, Though he's promised to quit it, just for my sake. He ties up one foot, the saddle puts on, With a swing and a jump he is mounted and gone. The first time I met him, 'twas early one spring, Riding a broncho, a high-headed thing. He tipped me a wink as he gaily did go; For he wished me to look at his bucking broncho. The next time I saw him 'twas late in the fall, Swinging the girls at Tomlinson's ball. He laughed and he talked as we danced to and fro, Promised never to ride on another broncho. He made me some presents, among them a ring; The return that I made him was a far better thing; 'Twas a young maiden's heart, I'd have you all know; He's won it by riding his bucking broncho. My love has a gun, and that gun he can use, But he's quit his gun fighting as well as his booze; And (p. 368) he's sold him his saddle, his spurs, and his rope, And there's no more cow punching, and that's what I hope. My love has a gun that has gone to the bad, Which makes poor old Jimmy feel pretty damn sad; For the gun it shoots high and the gun it shoots low, And it wobbles about like a bucking broncho. Now all you young maidens, where'er you reside, Beware of the cowboy who swings the raw-hide; He'll court you and pet you and leave you and go In the spring up the trail on his bucking broncho. THE PECOS QUEEN (p. 369) Where the Pecos River winds and turns in its journey to the sea, From its white walls of sand and rock striving ever to be free, Near the highest railroad bridge that all these modern times have seen, Dwells fair young Patty Morehead, the Pecos River queen. She is known by every cowboy on the Pecos River wide, They know full well that she can shoot, that she can rope and ride. She goes to every round-up, every cow work without fail, Looking out for her cattle, branded "walking hog on rail." She made her start in cattle, yes, made it with her rope; Can tie down every maverick before it can strike a lope. She can rope and tie and brand it as quick as any man; She's voted by all cowboys an A-1 top cow hand. Across (p. 370) the Comstock railroad bridge, the highest in the West, Patty rode her horse one day, a lover's heart to test; For he told her he would gladly risk all dangers for her sake— But the puncher wouldn't follow, so she's still without a mate. CHOPO (p. 371) Through rocky arroyas so dark and so deep, Down the sides of the mountains so slippery and steep,— You've good judgment, sure-footed, wherever you go, You're a safety conveyance, my little Chopo. Refrain:— Chopo, my pony, Chopo, my pride, Chopo, my amigo, Chopo I will ride. From Mexico's borders 'cross Texas' Llano To the salt Pecos River, I ride you, Chopo. Whether single or double or in the lead of the team, Over highways or byways or crossing a stream,— You're always in fix and willing to go, Whenever you're called on, my chico Chopo. You're a good roping horse, you were never jerked down, When tied to a steer, you will circle him round; Let him once cross the string and over he'll go,— You sabe the business, my cow-horse, Chopo. One (p. 372) day on the Llano a hailstorm began, The herds were stampeded, the horses all ran, The lightning it glittered, a cyclone did blow, But you faced the sweet music, my little Chopo. TOP HAND (p. 373) While you're all so frisky I'll sing a little song,— Think a little horn of whiskey will help the thing along? It's all about the Top Hand, when he busted flat Bummin' round the town, in his Mexican hat. He's laid up all winter, and his pocket book is flat, His clothes are all tatters, but he don't mind that. See him in town with a crowd that he knows, Rollin' cigarettes and smokin' through his nose. First thing he tells you, he owns a certain brand,— Leads you to think he is a daisy hand; Next thing he tells you 'bout his trip up the trail, All the way to Kansas, to finish out his tale. Put him on a hoss, he's a handy hand to work; Put him in the brandin'-pen, he's dead sure to shirk. With his natural leaf tobacco in the pockets of his vest He'll tell you his California pants are the best. He's handled lots of cattle, hasn't any fears, Can draw his sixty dollars for the balance of his years. Put him on herd, he's a-cussin' all day; Anything he tries, it's sure to get away. When (p. 374) you have a round-up, he tells it all about He's goin' to do the cuttin' an' you can't keep him out. If anything goes wrong, he lays it on the screws, Says the lazy devils were tryin' to take a snooze. When he meets a greener he ain't afraid to rig, Stands him on a chuck box and makes him dance a jig,— Waves a loaded cutter, makes him sing and shout,— He's a regular Ben Thompson when the boss ain't about. When the boss ain't about he leaves his leggins in camp, He swears a man who wears them is worse than a tramp. Says he's not carin' for the wages he earns, For Dad's rich in Texas,—got wagon loads to burn; But when he goes to town, he's sure to take it in, He's always been dreaded wherever he's been. He rides a fancy horse, he's a favorite man, Can get more credit than a common waddie can. When you ship the cattle he's bound to go along To keep the boss from drinking and see that nothing's wrong. Wherever he goes, catch on to his name, He likes to be called with a handle to his name. He's always primping with a pocket looking-glass, From the top to the bottom he's a bold Jackass. CALIFORNIA TRAIL (p. 375) List all you California boys And open wide your ears, For now we start across the plains With a herd of mules and steers. Now, bear in mind before you start, That you'll eat jerked beef, not ham, And antelope steak, Oh cuss the stuff! It often proves a sham. You cannot find a stick of wood On all this prairie wide; Whene'er you eat you've got to stand Or sit on some old bull hide. It's fun to cook with buffalo chips Or mesquite, green as corn,— If I'd once known what I know now I'd have gone around Cape Horn. The women have the hardest time Who emigrate by land; For when they cook out in the wind They're sure to burn their hand. Then they scold their husbands round, Get mad and spill the tea,— I'd have thanked my stars if they'd not come out Upon this bleak prairie. Most (p. 376) every night we put out guards To keep the Indians off. When night comes round some heads will ache, And some begin to cough. To be deprived of help at night, You know is mighty hard, But every night there's someone sick To keep from standing guard. Then they're always talking of what they've got, And what they're going to do; Some will say they're content, For I've got as much as you. Others will say, "I'll buy or sell, I'm damned if I care which." Others will say, "Boys, buy him out, For he doesn't own a stitch." Old raw-hide shoes are hell on corns While tramping through the sands, And driving jackass by the tail,— Damn the overland! I would as leaf be on a raft at sea And there at once be lost. John, let's leave the poor old mule, We'll never get him across! BRONC PEELER'S SONG (p. 377) I've been upon the prairie, I've been upon the plain, I've never rid a steam-boat, Nor a double-cinched-up train. But I've driv my eight-up to wagon That were locked three in a row, And that through blindin' sand storms, And all kinds of wind and snow. Cho:— Goodbye, Liza, poor gal, Goodbye, Liza Jane, Goodbye, Liza, poor gal, She died on the plain. There never was a place I've been Had any kind of wood. We burn the roots of bar-grass And think it's very good. I've never tasted home bread, Nor cakes, nor muss like that; But I know fried dough and beef Pulled from red-hot tallow fat. I hate to see the wire fence A-closin' up the range; And (p. 378) all this fillin' in the trail With people that is strange. We fellers don't know how to plow, Nor reap the golden grain; But to round up steers and brand the cows To us was allus plain. So when this blasted country Is all closed in with wire, And all the top, as trot grass, Is burnin' in Sol's fire, I hope the settlers will be glad When rain hits the land. And all us cowdogs are in hell With a "set"[9] joined hand in hand. A DEER HUNT (p. 379) One pleasant summer day it came a storm of snow; I picked my old gun and a-hunting I did go. I came across a herd of deer and I trailed them through the snow, I trailed them to the mountains where straight up they did go. I trailed them o'er the mountains, I trailed them to the brim, And I trailed them to the waters where they jumped in to swim. I cocked both my pistols and under water went,— To kill the fattest of them deer, that was my whole intent. While I was under water five hundred feet or more I fired both my pistols; like cannons did they roar. I picked up my venison and out of water came,— To kill the balance of them deer, I thought it would be fun. So (p. 380) I bent my gun in circles and fired round a hill. And, out of three or four deer, ten thousand I did kill. Then I picked up my venison and on my back I tied And as the sun came passing by I hopped up there to ride. The sun she carried me o'er the globe, so merrily I did roam That in four and twenty hours I landed safe at home. And the money I received for my venison and skin, I taken it all to the barn door and it would not all go in. And if you doubt the truth of this I tell you how to know: Just take my trail and go my rounds, as I did, long ago. WINDY BILL (p. 381) Windy Bill was a Texas man,— Well, he could rope, you bet. He swore the steer he couldn't tie,— Well, he hadn't found him yet. But the boys they knew of an old black steer, A sort of an old outlaw That ran down in the malpais At the foot of a rocky draw. This old black steer had stood his ground With punchers from everywhere; So they bet old Bill at two to one That he couldn't quite get there. Then Bill brought out his old gray hoss, His withers and back were raw, And prepared to tackle the big black brute That ran down in the draw. With his brazen bit and his Sam Stack tree His chaps and taps to boot, And his old maguey tied hard and fast, Bill swore he'd get the brute. Now, first Bill sort of sauntered round Old Blackie began to paw, Then threw his tail straight in the air And went driftin' down the draw. The (p. 382) old gray plug flew after him, For he'd been eatin' corn; And Bill, he piled his old maguey Right round old Blackie's horns. The old gray hoss he stopped right still; The cinches broke like straw, And the old maguey and the Sam Stack tree Went driftin' down the draw. Bill, he lit in a flint rock pile, His face and hands were scratched. He said he thought he could rope a snake But he guessed he'd met his match. He paid his bets like a little man Without a bit of jaw, And lowed old Blackie was the boss Of anything in the draw. There's a moral to my story, boys, And that you all must see. Whenever you go to tie a snake,[10] Don't tie it to your tree; But take your dolly welters[11] 'Cordin' to California law, And you'll never see your old rim-fire[12] Go drifting down the draw. WILD ROVERS (p. 383) Come all you wild rovers And listen to me While I retail to you My sad history. I'm a man of experience Your favors to gain, Oh, love has been the ruin Of many a poor man. When you are single And living at your ease You can roam this world over And do as you please; You can roam this world over And go where you will And slyly kiss a pretty girl And be your own still. But when you are married And living with your wife, You've lost all the joys And comforts of life. Your wife she will scold you, Your children will cry, And (p. 384) that will make papa Look withered and dry. You can't step aside, boys, To speak to a friend Without your wife at your elbow Saying, "What does this mean?" Your wife, she will scold And there is sad news. Dear boys, take warning; 'Tis a life to refuse. If you chance to be riding Along the highway And meet a fair maiden, A lady so gay, With red, rosy cheeks And sparkling blue eyes,— Oh, heavens! what a tumult In your bosom will rise! One more request, boys, Before we must part: Don't place your affections On a charming sweetheart; She'll dance before you Your favors to gain. Oh, turn your back on them With scorn and disdain! Come (p. 385) close to the bar, boys, We'll drink all around. We'll drink to the pure, If any be found; We'll drink to the single, For I wish them success; Likewise to the married, For I wish them no less. LIFE IN A HALF-BREED SHACK (p. 386) 'Tis life in a half-breed shack, The rain comes pouring down; "Drip" drops the mud through the roof, And the wind comes through the wall. A tenderfoot cursed his luck And feebly cried out "yah!" Refrain: Yah! Yah! I want to go home to my ma! Yah! Yah! this bloomin' country's a fraud! Yah! Yah! I want to go home to my ma! He tries to kindle a fire When it's forty-five below; He aims to chop at a log And amputates his toe; He hobbles back to the shack And feebly cries out "yah"! He gets on a bucking cayuse And thinks to flourish around, But the buzzard-head takes to bucking And lays him flat out on the ground. As he picks himself up with a curse, He feebly cries out "yah"! He (p. 387) buys all the town lots he can get In the wrong end of Calgary, And he waits and he waits for the boom Until he's dead broke like me. He couldn't get any tick So he feebly cries out "yah"! He couldn't do any work And he wouldn't know how if he could; So the police run him for a vag And set him to bucking wood. As he sits in the guard room cell, He feebly cries out "yah"! Come all ye tenderfeet And listen to what I say, If you can't get a government job You had better remain where you be. Then you won't curse your luck And cry out feebly "yah"! THE ROAD TO COOK'S PEAK (p. 388) If you'll listen a while I'll sing you a song, And as it is short it won't take me long. There are some things of which I will speak Concerning the stage on the road to Cook's Peak. On the road to Cook's Peak,— On the road to Cook's Peak,— Concerning the stage on the road to Cook's Peak. It was in the morning at eight-forty-five, I was hooking up all ready to drive Out where the miners for minerals seek, With two little mules on the road to Cook's Peak— On the road to Cook's Peak,— On the road to Cook's Peak,— With two little mules on the road to Cook's Peak. With my two little mules I jog along And try to cheer them with ditty and song; O'er the wide prairie where coyotes sneak, While driving the stage on the road to Cook's Peak. On the road to Cook's Peak,— On the road to Cook's Peak,— While driving the stage on the road to Cook's Peak. Sometimes I have to haul heavy freight, Then it is I get home very late. In (p. 389) rain or shine, six days in the week, 'Tis the same little mules on the road to Cook's Peak. On the road to Cook's Peak,— On the road to Cook's Peak,— 'Tis the same little mules on the road to Cook's Peak. And when with the driving of stage I am through I will to my two little mules bid adieu. And hope that those creatures, so gentle and meek, Will have a good friend on the road to Cook's Peak. On the road to Cook's Peak,— On the road to Cook's Peak,— Will have a good friend on the road to Cook's Peak. Now all kind friends that travel about, Come take a trip on the Wallis stage route. With a plenty of grit, they never get weak,— Those two little mules on the road to Cook's Peak. On the road to Cook's Peak,— On the road to Cook's Peak,— Those two little mules on the road to Cook's Peak. ARAPHOE, OR BUCKSKIN JOE (p. 390) 'Twas a calm and peaceful evening in a camp called Araphoe, And the whiskey was a running with a soft and gentle flow, The music was a-ringing in a dance hall cross the way, And the dancers was a-swinging just as close as they could lay. People gathered round the tables, a-betting with their wealth, And near by stood a stranger who had come there for his health. He was a peaceful little stranger though he seemed to be unstrung; For just before he'd left his home he'd separated with one lung. Nearby at a table sat a man named Hankey Dean, A tougher man says Hankey, buckskin chaps had never seen. But Hankey was a gambler and he was plum sure to lose; For he had just departed with a sun-dried stack of blues. He (p. 391) rose from the table, on the floor his last chip flung, And cast his fiery glimmers on the man with just one lung. "No wonder I've been losing every bet I made tonight When a sucker and a tenderfoot was between me and the light. Look here, little stranger, do you know who I am?" "Yes, and I don't care a copper colored damn." The dealers stopped their dealing and the players held their breath; For words like those to Hankey were a sudden flirt with death. "Listen, gentle stranger, I'll read my pedigree: I'm known on handling tenderfeet and worser men than thee; The lions on the mountains, I've drove them to their lairs; The wild-cats are my playmates, and I've wrestled grizzly bears; "Why, the centipedes can't mar my tough old hide, And rattle snakes have bit me and crawled off and died. I'm as wild as the horse that roams the range; The moss grows on my teeth and wild blood flows through my veins. "I'm (p. 392) wild and woolly and full of fleas And never curried below the knees. Now, little stranger, if you'll give me your address,— How would you like to go, by fast mail or express?" The little stranger who was leaning on the door Picked up a hand of playing cards that were scattered on the floor. Picking out the five of spades, he pinned it to the door And then stepped back some twenty paces or more. He pulled out his life-preserver, and with a "one, two, three, four," Blotted out a spot with every shot; For he had traveled with a circus and was a fancy pistol shot. "I have one more left, kind sir, if you wish to call the play." Then Hanke stepped up to the stranger and made a neat apology, "Why, the lions in the mountains,—that was nothing but a joke. Never mind about the extra, you are a bad shooting man, And I'm a meek little child and as harmless as a lamb." ROUNDED UP IN GLORY (p. 393) I have been thinking to-day, As my thoughts began to stray, Of your memory to me worth more than gold. As you ride across the plain, 'Mid the sunshine and the rain,— You will be rounded up in glory bye and bye. Chorus: You will be rounded up in glory bye and bye, You will be rounded up in glory bye and bye, When the milling time is o'er And you will stampede no more, When he rounds you up within the Master's fold. As you ride across the plain With the cowboys that have fame, And the storms and the lightning flash by. We shall meet to part no more Upon the golden shore When he rounds us up in glory bye and bye. May we lift our voices high To that sweet bye and bye, And (p. 394) be known by the brand of the Lord; For his property we are, And he will know us from afar When he rounds us up in glory bye and bye. THE DRUNKARD'S HELL (p. 395) It was on a cold and stormy night I saw and heard an awful sight; The lightning flashed and thunder rolled Around my poor benighted soul. I thought I heard a mournful sound Among the groans still lower down, That awful sight no tongue can tell Is this,—the place called Drunkard's Hell. I thought I saw the gulf below Where all the dying drunkards go. I raised my hand and sad to tell It was the place called Drunkard's Hell. I traveled on and got there at last And started to take a social glass; But every time I started,—well, I thought about the Drunkard's Hell. I dashed it down to leave that place And started to seek redeeming grace. I felt like Paul, at once I'd pray Till all my sins were washed away. I (p. 396) then went home to change my life And see my long neglected wife. I found her weeping o'er the bed Because her infant babe was dead. I told her not to mourn and weep Because her babe had gone to sleep; Its happy soul had fled away To dwell with Christ till endless day. I taken her by her pale white hand, She was so weak she could not stand; I laid her down and breathed a prayer That God might bless and save her there. I then went to the Temperance hall And taken a pledge among them all. They taken me in with a willing hand And taken me in as a temperance man. So seven long years have passed away Since first I bowed my knees to pray; So now I live a sober life With a happy home and a loving wife. RAMBLING BOY (p. 397) I am a wild and roving lad, A wild and rambling lad I'll be; For I do love a little girl And she does love me. "O Willie, O Willie, I love you so, I love you more than I do know; And if my tongue could tell you so I'd give the world to let you know." When Julia's old father came this to know,— That Julia and Willie were loving so,— He ripped and swore among them all, And swore he'd use a cannon ball. She wrote Willie a letter with her right hand And sent it to him in the western land. "Oh, read these lines, sweet William dear. For this is the last of me you will hear." He read those lines while he wept and cried, "Ten thousand times I wish I had died", He read those lines while he wept and said, "Ten thousand times I wish I were dead." When (p. 398) her old father came home that night He called for Julia, his heart's delight, He ran up stairs and her door he broke And found her hanging by her own bed rope. And with his knife he cut her down, And in her bosom this note he found Saying, "Dig my grave both deep and wide And bury sweet Willie by my side." They dug her grave both deep and wide And buried sweet Willie by her side; And on her grave set a turtle dove To show the world they died for love. BRIGHAM YOUNG. I. (p. 399) I'll sing you a song that has often been sung About an old Mormon they called Brigham Young. Of wives he had many who were strong in the lungs, Which Brigham found out by the length of their tongues. Ri tu ral, lol, lu ral. Oh, sad was the life of a Mormon to lead, Yet Brigham adhered all his life to his creed. He said 'twas such fun, and true, without doubt, To see the young wives knock the old ones about. Ri tu ral, lol, lu ral. One day as old Brigham sat down to his dinner He saw a young wife who was not getting thinner; When the elders cried out, one after the other, By the holy, she wants to go home to her mother. Ri tu ral, lol, lu ral. Old Brigham replied, which can't be denied, He couldn't afford to lose such a bride. Then do not be jealous but banish your fears; For the tree is well known by the fruit that it bears. Ri tu ral, lol, lu ral. That (p. 400) I love one and all you very well know, Then do not provoke me or my anger will show. What must be our fate if found here in a row, If Uncle Sam comes with his row-de-dow-dow. Ri tu ral, lol, lu ral. Then cease all your quarrels and do not despair, To meet Uncle Sam I will quickly prepare. Hark! I hear Yankee Doodle played over the hills! Ah! here's the enemy with their powder and pills. Ri tu ral, lol, lu ral. BRIGHAM YOUNG. II. (p. 401) Now Brigham Young is a Mormon bold, And a leader of the roaring rams, And shepherd of a lot of fine tub sheep And a lot of pretty little lambs. Oh, he lives with his five and forty wives, In the city of the Great Salt Lake, Where they breed and swarm like hens on a farm And cackle like ducks to a drake. Chorus:— Oh Brigham, Brigham Young, It's a miracle how you survive, With your roaring rams and your pretty little lambs And your five and forty wives. Number forty-five is about sixteen, Number one is sixty and three; And they make such a riot, how he keeps them quiet Is a downright mystery to me. For they clatter and they chaw and they jaw, jaw, jaw, And each has a different desire; It would aid the renown of the best shop in town To supply them with half they desire. Now, (p. 402) Brigham Young was a stout man once, And now he is thin and old; And I am sorry to state he is bald on the pate, Which once had a covering of gold. For his oldest wives won't have white wool, And his young ones won't have red, So, with tearing it out, and taking turn about, They have torn all the hair off his head. Now, the oldest wives sing songs all day, And the young ones all sing songs; And amongst such a crowd he has it pretty loud,— They're as noisy as Chinese gongs. And when they advance for a Mormon dance He is filled with the direst alarms; For they are sure to end the night in a tabernacle fight To see who has the fairest charms. Now, if any man here envies Brigham Young Let him go to the Great Salt Lake; And if he has the leisure to enjoy his pleasure, He'll find it a great mistake. One wife at a time, so says my rhyme, Is enough,—there's no denial;— So, before you strive to be lord of forty-five, Take two for a month on trial. THE OLD GRAY MULE (p. 403) I am an old man some sixty years old And that you can plain-li see, But when I was a young man ten years old They made a stable boy of me. I have seen the fastest horses That made the fastest time, But I never saw one in all my life Like that old gray mule of mine. On a Sunday morn I dress myself, A-goin' out to ride; Now, my old mule is as gray as a bird, Then he is full of his pride. He never runs away with you, Never cuts up any shine; For the only friend I have on earth Is this old gray mule of mine. Now my old gray mule is dead and gone, Gone to join the heavenly band, With silver shoes upon his feet To dance on the golden strand. THE FOOLS OF FORTY-NINE (p. 404) When gold was found in forty-eight the people thought 'twas gas, And some were fools enough to think the lumps were only brass. But soon they all were satisfied and started off to mine; They bought their ships, came round the Horn, in the days of forty-nine. Refrain: Then they thought of what they'd been told When they started after gold,— That they never in the world would make a pile. The people all were crazy then, they didn't know what to do. They sold their farms for just enough to pay their passage through. They bid their friends a long farewell, said, "Dear wife, don't you cry, I'll send you home the yellow lumps a piano for to buy." The poor, the old, and the rotten scows were advertised to sail From (p. 405) New Orleans with passengers, but they must pump and bail. The ships were crowded more than full, and some hung on behind, And others dived off from the wharf and swam till they were blind. With rusty pork and stinking beef and rotten, wormy bread! The captains, too, that never were up as high as the main mast head! The steerage passengers would rave and swear that they'd paid their passage And wanted something more to eat beside bologna sausage. They then began to cross the plain with oxen, hollowing "haw." And steamers then began to run as far as Panama. And there for months the people staid, that started after gold, And some returned disgusted with the lies that had been told. The people died on every route, they sickened and died like sheep; And those at sea before they died were launched into the deep; And (p. 406) those that died while crossing the plains fared not so well as that, For a hole was dug and they thrown in along the miserable Platte. The ships at last began to arrive and the people began to inquire. They say that flour is a dollar a pound, do you think it will be any higher? And to carry their blankets and sleep outdoors, it seemed so very droll! Both tired and mad, without a cent, they damned the lousy hole. A RIPPING TRIP[13] (p. 407) You go aboard a leaky boat And sail for San Francisco, You've got to pump to keep her afloat, You've got that, by jingo! The engine soon begins to squeak, But nary a thing to oil her; Impossible to stop the leak,— Rip, goes the boiler. The captain on the promenade Looking very savage; Steward and the cabin maid Fightin' 'bout the cabbage; All about the cabin floor Passengers lie sea-sick; Steamer bound to go ashore,— Rip, goes the physic. Pork and beans they can't afford, The second cabin passengers; The cook has tumbled overboard With fifty pounds of sassengers; The (p. 408) engineer, a little tight, Bragging on the Mail Line, Finally gets into a fight,— Rip, goes the engine. THE HAPPY MINER (p. 409) I'm a happy miner, I love to sing and dance. I wonder what my love would say If she could see my pants With canvas patches on my knees And one upon the stern? I'll wear them when I'm digging here And home when I return. Refrain: So I get in a jovial way, I spend my money free. And I've got plenty! Will you drink lager beer with me? She writes about her poodle dog; But never thinks to say, "Oh, do come home, my honey dear, I'm pining all away." I'll write her half a letter, Then give the ink a tip. If that don't bring her to her milk I'll coolly let her rip. They wish to know if I can cook And what I have to eat, And (p. 410) tell me should I take a cold Be sure and soak my feet. But when they talk of cooking I'm mighty hard to beat, I've made ten thousand loaves of bread The devil couldn't eat. I like a lazy partner So I can take my ease, Lay down and talk of golden home, As happy as you please; Without a thing to eat or drink, Away from care and grief,— I'm fat and sassy, ragged, too, And tough as Spanish beef. No matter whether rich or poor, I'm happy as a clam. I wish my friends at home could look And see me as I am. With woolen shirt and rubber boots, In mud up to my knees, And lice as large as chili beans Fighting with the fleas. I'll mine for half an ounce a day, Perhaps a little less; But when it comes to China pay I cannot stand the press. Like thousands there, I'll make a pile, If I make one at all, About the time the allied forces Take Sepasterpol. THE CALIFORNIA STAGE COMPANY (p. 411) There's no respect for youth or age On board the California stage, But pull and haul about the seats As bed-bugs do about the sheets. Refrain: They started as a thieving line In eighteen hundred and forty-nine; All opposition they defy, So the people must root hog or die. You're crowded in with Chinamen, As fattening hogs are in a pen; And what will more a man provoke Is musty plug tobacco smoke. The ladies are compelled to sit With dresses in tobacco spit; The gentlemen don't seem to care, But talk on politics and swear. The dust is deep in summer time, The mountains very hard to climb, And drivers often stop and yell, "Get out, all hands, and push up hill." The (p. 412) drivers, when they feel inclined, Will have you walking on behind, And on your shoulders lug a pole To help them out some muddy hole. They promise when your fare you pay, "You'll have to walk but half the way"; Then add aside, with cunning laugh, "You'll have to push the other half." NEW NATIONAL ANTHEM (p. 413) My country, 'tis of thee, Land where things used to be So cheap, we croak. Land of the mavericks, Land of the puncher's tricks, Thy culture-inroad pricks The hide of this peeler-bloke. Some of the punchers swear That what they eat and wear Takes all their calves. Others vow that they Eat only once a day Jerked beef and prairie hay Washed down with tallow salves. These salty-dogs[14] but crave To pull them out the grave Just one Kiowa spur. They know they still will dine On flesh and beef the time; But give us, Lord divine, One "hen-fruit stir."[15] Our father's land, with thee, (p. 414) Best trails of liberty, We chose to stop. We don't exactly like So soon to henceward hike, But hell, we'll take the pike If this don't stop. <hr class="small"> Footnote 1: In this song, as in several others, the chorus should come in after each stanza. The arrangement followed has been adopted to illustrate versions current in different sections.(Back) Footnote 2: Sung to the air of My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean.(Back) Footnote 3: Attributed to James Barton Adams.(Back) Footnote 4: Printed as a fugitive ballad in Grandon of Sierra, by Charles E. Winter.(Back) Footnote 5: A song current in Arizona, probably written by Berton Braley. Cowboys and miners often take verses that please them and fit them to music.(Back) Footnote 6: These verses are used in many parts of the West as a dance song. Sung to waltz music the song takes the place of "Home, Sweet Home" at the conclusion of a cowboy ball. The "fiddle" is silenced and the entire company sing as they dance.(Back) Footnote 7: A lumber jack song adopted by the cowboys.(Back) Footnote 8: This poem, one of the best in Larry Chittenden's Ranch Verses, published by G.P. Putnam's Sons, New York, has been set to music by the cowboys and its phraseology slightly changed, as this copy will show, by oral transmission. I have heard it in New Mexico and it has been sent to me from various places,—always as a song. None of those who sent in the song knew that it was already in print.(Back) Footnote 9: "set" means settler.(Back) Footnote 10: snake, bad steer.(Back) Footnote 11: Dolly welter, rope tied all around the saddle.(Back) Footnote 12: rim-fire saddle, without flank girth.(Back) Footnote 13: To tune of Pop Goes the Weasel.(Back) Footnote 14: Cowboy Dude.(Back) Footnote 15: Pancake.(Back) <div style="break-after:column;"></div>

1 of 2

2 of 2

Update Required To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.