[From Manx Melodies, 1922]

Manx Melodies

THEM OUL' TIMES

THEM was the times, the fine oul' times
When the Manx was goin' a spakin';
In the pulphit an' all, it was goin' for all
At the like of the oul' Archdacon.

Them was the times, th' oul'-fashioned times
When the flax would be goin' a spinnin' ;
An' the busy the queels were whistling roun'
As quick as the talk of the women.

Them was the times, the prosperous times
When no one was thinkin' of savin's;
But heavin' the brooillagh over the quay
To show there was lashin's an' lavin's.

Them was the times, the fine oul' times
When the weaver was bringin' the Newses,
An' colloguin' the bargain urrov the wife
While the masthar was givin' his viewses.

Them was the times, the coortin' times
When the buoys to the dhure were stealin';
An' the busy the dogs were waggin' their tails
To show there was no ill-feelin'.

Them was the times, the fine oul' times
When the childher were goin' a rarin'
On porridge an' jough, an' bonnags an' broth
An' suppin' on priddhas an' herrin'.