MY RUTHERS
Reading edition
[Writ durin' State Fair at Indanoplis, whilse visitin' a Sonin-law then residin' thare, who has sence got back to the country whare he says a man that's raised thare ort to a-stayed in the first place.]
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 wouldn'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.