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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

WHO SHALL SHUT THE DOOR?, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: To-morrow is st. Martin's day
Last Line: "now go and bolt the door!"


TO-MORROW is St. Martin's day,
And Goody, loving elf,
Has baked some puddings for her man,
And put them on the shelf.

Now both are lying snug in bed,
And while the west-winds roar

Old Gaffer unto Goody says,
"Go, shut that slamming door!"

"I wish to rest," the dame replies,
"Till morning's light appears;
For aught I care, that crazy door
May slam a hundred years!"

With this the loving pair agreed
(Since neither of them stirred)
That he, or she, should bolt the door
Who first should speak a word!

Two vagabonds, at midnight, found
The door was off the latch,
And not a single sight or sound
Their eyes or ears could catch.

They entered in, and spoke aloud,
But no one answered. Why?
The bargain stopped the only mouths
That could have made reply!

The puddings soon were eaten up,
As Goody plainly heard,
And cursed the robbers in her heart,
But uttered not a word.

And soon one vagabond exclaims,
"I'd like a sip of gin;
This cupboard smells extremely nice,
I'll poke about within.

"A flask of schnapps, I'm very sure,
Is at my elbow here;
A hearty swig, to thirsty souls,
Is mighty pleasant cheer!"

Up sprang old Gaffer in a trice:
"Hein! what is that you say?
The man who steals my Holland schnapps
Shall dearly rue the day!"

Off go the rogues, and Goody cries,
With something like a roar,
"Old Gaffer, you have spoken first!
Now go and bolt the door!"





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