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Title
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Struggle for the breeches
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Singer
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Howse, Alfred
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Song Lyrics
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Husband
About my wife I mean to sing a very comic song.
Wife
I hope you will tell the truth, do it right or wrong.
Husband
My wife she is an arrant scold, both out of doors and in.
Wife
You brute! I knew it was untrue before you did begin.
Husband
You are inclined I now do find the breeches for to wear.
Wife
No, dear, not I, but I will die or I will have my share.
Husband
Every morning I must rise before the break of day.
Wife
It is to the door, I suppose, you want for to make.
Husband
No, it's to put on the fire, and have the breakfast by.
Wife
You've such a craving appetite, in bed you cannot lie.
Husband
Don't contradict me now, you jade, nor let my passion rise.
Wife
You stupid sot! I heed you not, because you are not wise.
Husband
I tell you for to hold your tongue; your temper I can't bear.
Wife
You ass! If I should hold my tongue my fingers I'd besmear.
Husband
You promised, when I married you, that you would me obey.
Wife
You promised for to cherish me, but then you went astray.
Husband
Women are made of crooked mind, and formed in six days.
Wife
Yes, they are made of pure stuff, but men are filthy clay.
Husband
Keep silence now, or I will tell your faults to all around.
Wife
You silly fool! Do all you can, for I will stand my ground.
Husband
King Solomon says of virtuous maids he would but find a few.
Wife
It's lies to say that he was wise, he was a fool like you.
Husband
Since you provoke me now so far I'll let the truth be known.
Wife
I know well my faults you'll tell, but pray, first tell your own.
Husband
Either in or out of work I have no peace with you.
Wife
You simpleton! Don't talk of work. It's little that you do.
Husband
When we both down to dinner sit it's there you sigh and groan,
Wife
That is because you eat the beef, and leave me the bare bone.
Husband
And when the tea time it is come, then you take the pet.
Wife
I look for a strong cup of tea but never a drop I get.
Husband
You know I've acted like a man since you and I were joined.
Wife
The devil a bit of manhood in you I ever find.
Husband
If in any part I've acted wrong, explain it to my face.
Wife
You drunken sot! With bowl and pot you're always in disgrace.
Husband
My father was a wealthy lord, had horses, cows and carts.
Wife
Yes, feathered fowls have coats of gold, we hear in foreign parts.
Husband
My mother was a lady gay, that's known to be true.
Wife
I wish that she had broke your back, and made a lord of you.
