The Verse-Book of a Homely Woman

Little Fan

     When little Fanny came to town, I
          felt as I could sing!
     She were the sprackest little maid, the
          sharpest, pertest thing.
     Her mother were as proud as punch, and
          as for I—well, there!
     I never see sich gert blue eyes, I never
          see sich hair!
     "If all the weans in Somerset," says I,
          "was standin' here,
     Not one could hold a candle light, 'long-
          side our little dear."

     Now FANNY'S little Fan have come! She's
          clingin' round my knees,
     She's asking me for sups of tea, and bites
          of bread and cheese.
     She's climbing into grandma's bed, she's
          stroking grandma's face.
     She's tore my paper into bits and strawed
          it round the place.
     "If all the weans in all the world," says
          I, "was standin' here,
     Not one could hold a farthin' dip to
          Fanny's little dear!"
     For Fanny's little Fanny—oh, she's took
          the heart of me!
     'Tis childern's childern is the CROWN of
          humble folk like we!