THE SHAN VAN VOGH
(Larry Gorman, c. 1860s, Tyne Valley, PEI)

I am getting very gaunt, said the Shan Van Vogh
Of provisions I am scant, said the Shan Van Vogh
When Forbes will come here, it's the very place we'll steer,
We'll get everything we want, said the Shan Van Vogh.

I wonder when we'll start, said the Shan Van Vogh
I wish he would be smart, said the Shan Van Vogh
My provisions getting scarce, and with hunger I am fierce
I am keen to make a start, said the Shan Van Vogh.

Such parties as we owe, said the Shan Van Vogh
We'll not pretend to know, said the Shan Van Vogh
We'll give them just a nod, when we meet them on the road
Whilst to Forbes we'll go, said the Shan Van Vogh.

We must keep our secrets dark, said the Shan Van Vogh
If we want to make our mark, said the Shan Van Vogh
To handle our cards well, a good story we must tell
We'll promise hemlock bark, said the Shan Van Vogh.

We'll promise him a sleigh, said the Shan Van Vogh
And half a ton of hay, said the Shan Van Vogh
We'll promise him some meat, some barley and some wheat
Just before we run away, said the Shan Van Vogh.

I've just come in to deal, said the Shan Van Vogh
Have you any indian meal, said the Shan Van Vogh
I mean to pay you soon by the latter end of June
With a carcass of fresh veal, said the Shan Van Vogh.

I came down to get some oil, said the Shan Van Vogh
I'm afraid my boots will spoil, said the Shan Van Vogh
And it is my husband's wish I'd come down and get a fish
I can either fry or boil, said the Shan Van Vogh.

I want some cotton spools, said the Shan Van Vogh
And a set of candle moulds, said the Shan Van Vogh
I'll pay you with the hide of the little bull that died
All full of warble holes, said the Shan Van Vogh.

I want a pair of boots, said the Shan Van Vogh
If the payment only suits, said the Shan Van Vogh
A pair both good and strong, I'll pay you before long
My husband's digging roots, said the Shan Van Vogh.

I want to get a hood, said the Shan Van Vogh
Have you any very good, said the Shan Van Vogh
I want a bunch of tape, and I'd like a bonnet shape
And some extract of logwood, said the Shan Van Vogh.

I want a yard of crepe, said the Shan Van Vogh
Some matches and a pipe, said the Shan Van Vogh
You'll have no need to fret, for your pay you're sure to get
When the berries will get ripe, said the Shan Van Vogh.

I want some yellow dye, said the Shan Van Vogh
And some concentrated lye, said the Shan Van Vogh
I have no money now, I give my solemn vow
But I'll pay you bye and bye, said the Shan Van Vogh.

I want a new tea tray, said the Shan Van Vogh
If you'll trust me for the pay, said the Shan Van Vogh
If I am only on my legs, I will bring you down some eggs
When the hens begin to lay, said the Shan Van Vogh.

I want to get a hat, said the Shan Van Vogh
With the crown perfectly flat, said the Shan Van Vogh
I want some kerosene, and a package of Roseine
To dye rags for a mat, said the Shan Van Vogh.

I want to get a broom, said the Shan Van Vogh
And I want a fine tooth comb, said the Shan Van Vogh
With some manilla rope, and a cake of toilet soap
And a bottle of perfume, said the Shan Van Vogh.

I want some cotton tweed, said the Shan Van Vogh
And an ounce of turnip seed, said the Shan Van Vogh
I want a lamp and flue, and I'd like a box of blue
And I think that's all I need, said the Shan Van Vogh.

I want some cotton print, said the Shan Van Vogh
If you'll only give consent, said the Shan Van Vogh
I am now in great distress, for I want a flashy dress
To attend the Sacrament, said the Shan Van Vogh.

I want a pound of tea, said the Shan Van Vogh
If we only can agree, said the Shan Van Vogh
I want two water pails, and a pound of shingle nails,
And that will do for me, said the Shan Van Vogh.

I want a mustard can, said the Shan Van Vogh
And I want a frying pan, said the Shan Van Vogh
Some sugar and some rice, some soda and some spice
Some pickles and cayenne, said the Shan Van Vogh

I want a water jug, said the Shan Van Vogh
And I want a chamber mug, said the Shan Van Vogh
I am troubled this last year, with one that's got no ear
And it's awkward for to lug, said the Shan Van Vogh

Now tell me what is due, said the Shan Van Vogh
I hope you will not sue, said the Shan Van Vogh
Just run up my account and tell me the amount
That's all I ask of you, said the Shan Van Vogh.