The Old Woman and Her Maids

Better known evils to endure,

Than seek by wrong a doubtful cure.

A thrifty dame her maids awoke

At the first crowing of the cock.

They of such early rising tir’d,

To kill the harmless cock conspir’d.

The dame, to hear him crow in wait,

Next morning lay in bed till eight.

But when she knew the trick they had play’d,

She caused a larum to be made,

And rung it daily in their ears

Two hours before the dawn appears.