MY RUTHERS

I tell you what I'd ruther do — Ef I only had my ruthers,— I'd ruther work when I wanted to Than be bossed round by others;—

I'd ruther kindo’ git the swing O’ what was needed, first, I jing! Afore I swet at anything!— Ef I only had my ruthers;—

In fact I'd aim to be the same With all men as my brothers; And they'd all be the same with me — Ef I only had my ruthers.

I would n't likely know it all — Ef I only had my ruthers;— I'd know some sense, and some base-ball — Some old jokes, and — some others:

I'd know some politics, and‘ low Some tarif-speeches same as now, Then go hear Nye on “Branes and How To Detect Theyr Presence.” T'others,

That stayed away, I'd let‘ em stay — All my dissentin’ brothers Could chuse as shore a kill er cuore, Ef I only had my ruthers.

The pore‘ ud git theyr dues sometimes — Ef I only had my ruthers,— And be paid dollars‘ stid o’ dimes, Fer childern, wives and mothers:

Theyr boy that slaves; theyr girl that sews — Fer others — not herself, God knows!— The grave's her only change of clothes! ... Ef I only had my ruthers,

They'd all have “stuff” and time enugh To answer one-another's Appealin’ prayer fer “lovin’ care” — Ef I only had my ruthers.

They'd be few folks‘ ud ast fer trust, Ef I only had my ruthers, And blame few business-men to bu'st Theyrselves, er harts of others:

Big Guns that come here durin’ Fair- Week could put up jest anywhare, And find a full-and-plenty thare, Ef I only had my ruthers:

The rich and great‘ ud‘ sociate With all theyr lowly brothers, Feelin’ we done the honorun — Ef I only had my ruthers.