“William” Murphy’s Romance, A Novel – Rhyme

Chapter I.

Pat Murphy had a fine old goat,

     A noble goat was he;

He lived with Pat in Brooklyn town,

     As happy as could be.

His name was “William” – Bill for short.

     His fame was widely spread;

There was a noted dearth of boys

     Around “Bill” Murphy’s shed.

                   Note.

This goat he hadn’t any Past,

     Nor was he of the New;

And while he butted other folk,

     To Patrick he was true.

                Chapter II.

      “William” The Conquerer

Pat Murphy was a business man,

     He carried ou – a hod;

And in his hod were many brick

     Made out of Jerey sod.

And while he was away all day

     Brave “William” ran the farm;

And from wild youths and peddlers

     The place was free from harm.

                Chapter III.

              The Goat’s Diet

While Pat grew rich the goat grew fat,

     His food was of the best;

He kept the back yard wholly free

     From rubbish cans and pest.

He ate the cast off boots and shoes,–

     Pat’ duties home were small;

He had no ashes to roll out

     For “William” ate them all.

                Chapter IV.

               The Departure

A change came o’er the Murphy’s two,

     Pat bought a summer home;

Where “William” in green pastures new

     All summer long could roam.

                 The Tragedy

Alas for “William” Murphy now,

     A choice goat, city bred;

He’d not but fruit and grass to eat,

     And “William” Murphy’s dead.

March 3, ‘96

Pub. in Camb.

Press. June 26,

    1897