Fishin’ at Hemlock Farm

Hank Stubbs he put a placard up,

     “No Fishin’ In This Brook”;

And ev’ry neighbor passin’ by

     Had an enquirin’ look.

Then on his house he put a sign

     In letters large and clear;

“This is the ‘Hemlock Valley Farm’,

     We’re takin’ boarders here”!

Bige Miller says to Hank one day:

     “I think that’s ruther queer,

To advertise fur boarders, then

     Say ‘ain’t no fishin’ here’.

How do you ‘spect that folks’ll come

     To sech a place as thet?”

Then Hank he drawled in his reply

     With one eye partly shet:

“Great scheme that fishin’ sign o’ mine,

     Folks wantin’ board you see

Will think it’s meant for other folks

     An’ block here eagerly.

Then when they’ve fished without no luck,

     An’ git upon their ear,

I jist kin say; “Thet sign don’t lie,

     They ain’t no fishin’ here!”

June 22, ‘10