LIV
We come now to one which refers to labouring life:—
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Tell Mister Linky me want go, hm! hm!
oh Benjiman!
Barrarap Barrarap Barrarap me Benjiman
oh Benjiman!
The men are in the field watching the sun which is getting low. They begin to think the head-man, Mr. Linky, is forgetting how time goes. He should be giving the signal to “knock off work.” So one of the gang, meaning Mr. Linky to hear, says to his neighbour:—“Benjamin, tell Mr. Linky I want to go.” “Hm, hm!” with closed lips, means a great deal. It is a sort of good-natured remonstrance. Always Benjiman for Benjamin and the Barraraps culminate in a sharp final staccato rap. This has a longer bobbin “Oh Benjiman!”