  ’IST boys—th’ kind you used t’ know, What-d’-y’-call-him, So-and-so An’ What’s-His-Name—an’ every one ’Ist full o’ health an’ out for fun. No meanness in a one of us, ’Ist brown an’ strong an’ mischievous, ’Cuz that’s th’ way ’at boys all grow— ’Ist boys—th’ kind you used t’ know. ’Ist boys—th’ kind you used t’ be. What! Never climbed an apple tree An’ shook ’em down? Why, Mister, you— You never was a boy, real true. I’ll bet ’at you was mischievous As you could be. You’re foolin’ us ’Cuz you can’t help but see ’at we Are boys—’ist like you used t’ be. Of course we ought t’ be at school, But my! The water’s nice an’ cool An’ when it calls you, w’y, you ’ist Can’t be a real boy an’ resist. An’ say! We caught a fish down there ’Most two feet long—right close t’ w’ere You’re standin’ now. Now don’t you see We’re boys—’ist like you used t’ be? Say, you ain’t goin’ t’ tell our Ma ’At you was passin’ by an’ saw Us swimmin’ here. W’y, Mister, you Won’t never feel right if you do. Don’t be a tattle-tale! W’y, say, If you should give us boys away You couldn’t never bear to see A boy—’ist like you used t’ be. Come on, now! You ain’t goin’ t’ tell On us. I know it, ’ist as well As anythin’. You wouldn’t hurt Her feelin’s ’ist t’ do us dirt. You won’t? Thanks, Mister. You’re a brick. We’re goin’ home, Sir, pretty quick. It’s awful fine here, ’cuz, y’ see, We’re boys—’ist like you used t’ be. |
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