Th' Demon o' Debt.
By John Hartley
We read ov a man once possessed ov a devil,
An pity his sorrowful case;
But at this day we fancy we're free from sich evil,
An noa mooar have that trubble to face.
But dooan't be deceived, for yo're nooan aght o' danger,
Ther's a trap for yor feet ready set,
An if to sich sorrow yo'd still be a stranger,
Be careful to keep aght o' debt.
For debt is a demon 'at nivver shows pity,
An when once yor fast in his grip,
Yo may try to luk wise or appear to be witty,
But he'll drive yo to wreck wi' his whip.
He tempts yo to start wi' a little at furst,
An then deeper an deeper yo get,
Till at last yo find aght 'at yor life is accurst,
An yo grooan under th' burden o' debt.
Then sweet sleep forsakes yo an tossin wi' care,
Yo wearily wear neet away;
An yor joys an yor hopes have all turned to despair,
An yo tremmel at th' commin o' day.
Yor een are daancast as yo walk along th' street,
An yo shun friends yo once gladly met,
The burden yo carry yo fancy they see 't; -
That soul-crushin burden o' debt.
Tak an old man's advice, if yo'd keep aght o' trubble,
An let 'pay as yo goa,' be yor plan;
Tho' yor comforts are fewer, yor joys will be double,
An yo'll hold up yor heead like a man,
Better far wear a patch on yor elbow or knee,
Till yo're able a new suit to get,
Nor be dressed like a prince, an whearivver yo be,
To be dog'd wi' that Demon o' Debt.