Now, Moses!
(Henry Clay Work)

Now Moses, what makes you so strange and forgetful?
How is it you heed what I tell you no more?
Just look at your picture, who would not be fretful?
Your great muddy boots on my clean kitchen floor!
And there you are smoking, O dear, 'tis provoking,
To tease and torment me it is your desire,
I'll throw your old--no sir! indeed I'm not joking--
I'll throw your old meerschaum right into the fire!

cho: Now, Moses you'll catch it! Now Moses don't touch it,
Now Moses don't you hear what I say?
'Tis thus without stopping, the music keeps dropping,
For night after night and for day after day.

Now Moses, do tell me now what you are doing
Off there in the pantry so still and so sly,
I know very well there is some mischief brewing
Ha! Thats what you're after, a whole cherry pie.
Stop! Stop! You are taking the last of my baking
The very last pie that was left on the shelf!
If ever one did, you deserve a good shaking
And I'va a great notion to try it myself.

Now, Moses, come let us be pleasant and clever!
We must not in future lead such a sad life;
Come, you be my dear noble husband forever
And I'll be forever your sweet loving wife.
Of course, none supposes that life is all roses
But really I think that--well, now I declare!
You rascal, You villain! You stupid thing, Moses
You laid your old curry-comb right in my chair!

From Songs of Henry Clay Work, Work
RG
apr96