free-verse30 lines
The Bachelor's Song
by Edward Smyth JonesWhile I keep my lonely hall,
You are welcome one and all,
As I sing my little song;
Stay, I'll cheer you all day long -
And sow my bachelor-buttons,
And sow my bachelor-buttons.
While this world is wild with glee,
Chime I now my song to thee;
In my bosom lurks no care,
I can loiter everywhere -
And sow my bachelor-buttons,
And sow my bachelor-buttons.
Oh dear, what a happy life
For the man who has no wife,
To bind with sore distresses,
And silk and satin dresses -
While he sows his bachelor-buttons,
While he sows his bachelor-buttons.
His heart is ever merry,
His way is bright and cheery;
No peevish baby crying,
No jealous wife a-sighing -
While he sows his bachelor-buttons,
While he sows his bachelor-buttons.
Ah! praise the God who hath given
A life so much like heaven;
Quit it? Oh no, I'll never,
But live happy forever -
And sow my bachelor-buttons,
And sow my bachelor-buttons.