COLUMBINECOLUMBINE

COLUMBINE

An older man and a boy are seen talking; both are laborers. The older man, who is seated, speaks: Dan’l. Well, Nathan’l. Nathan’l. Well, Dan’l. Dan’l. There’s little use in stopping here much longer. Nathan’l. Not as I can see. Dan’l. Like my old eyes, the sun doesn’t grow any stronger. Nathan’l. And I want my tea. Dan’l. Do ee, lad? Nathan’l. Ah, main bad. Dan’l. Which means ’tis time to go, I reckon. Nathan’l. That’s a proposition as I second. Dan’l. Come on then, let’s be moving. Tip us yer daddle. Nathan’l. All of a sudden, you are in a mortal caddle. I want to hear the finish of that yarn As you were spinning down at Tranter’s Barn. A peck of troubles it was all about. I want to know how everything turned out. Dan’l. You want your tea; that’s what you want, my son. Nathan’l. There’s time enough for tea when you are done. Dan’l. Well, though ’tis little enough I read, I sid in a story-book years ago, (Though mind, Nathan, there is no need To be letting on as I told me so) That all the troubles as worrits a man I was locked in a box when the world began. And there no doubt they’d ha’ bid till now, If the drummer’s soul had got the key, Hadn’t got mixed up with a maid somehow And gone and handed it over to her. And what do we fancy the maiden did? Darn me, Nathan’l, ur lifted the lid. Daniel’s story And all their troubles come trooping out, Like hens from a chicken run might have done. For the maiden fancied without a doubt, They’d…