Lusty Young Smith -

A lusty young smith at his vice stood a-filing

His hammer laid by but his forge still aglow

When to him a buxom young damsel came smiling

And asked if to work in her forge he would go

Rum, rum, rum.

Rum, rum, rum

In and out.

In and out.

Ho!

«I will,» said the smith, and they went off together

Along to the young damsel’s forge they did go

They stripped to go to it, 'twas hot work and hot weather

They kindled a fire and she soon made him blow

Her husband, she said, no good work could afford her

His strength and his tools were worn out long ago

The smith said «Well mine are in very good order

And I am now ready my skill for to show.»

Red hot grew his iron, as both did desire

And he was too wise not to strike while 'twas so

Said she, «What I get I get out of the fire

So prithee, strike home and redouble the blow.»

Six times did his iron, by vigorous heating

Grow soft in her forge in a minute or so

But as often was hardened, still beating and beating

But the more it was softened, it hardened more slow

When the smith rose to go, quoth the dame full of sorrow:

«Oh, what would I give could my husband do so

Good lad with your hammer come hither tomorrow

But pray could you use it once more ere you go!»