The Introduction

I'm askin' you'll be easy for a bit, Sir, / The lad's had little but a thrush's schoolin', / The blue skies and the fields, the little whipster, / 'Tis time enough for something more -- (But whisper) / He'll go the better for an easy rulin'.

Herself was always for the bit of readin' / But Denny here, he's great for growin' things, / There's not a primrose that he'd not be heedin' / Herself is right 'tis graver things he's needin' / The thrush is tamer when you clip his wings.

I'd never have you spare him with the learnin', / (And, Faith, 'tis little that the lad has had), / But if above his task you'll see him turnin' / To watch the fields -- 'tis just the thrush's yearnin' -- / I'm askin' you'll be easy with the lad.