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DF
OR years I graced a bovine's back and pulled a sled with an old wood-rack, A driver sat on a board behind and used a persuader when I failed to mind. From thence I was taken one autumn day, by a dealer in hides not far away And soundly tanned, but I felt it not, and others were there on that awful spot. I was given a bath in liquor dark extracted from century hemlock bark, It made me firm, it made me true, and likewise brown " as well as blue." My hair had disappeared before, as others, numbered by the score. When to graduate, then sound and high, in a lofty place I was hung to dry; But soon a dealer in leather came--to which my hide had changed its name-- As my appearance made a hit--he bought, to make the most of it. Though I was soulless, yet a man made soles of me on a whole-sole plan And undersoled the "Upper Tens," who talked of law and flourished pens; And I was carved in tongues, as well, to smooth the way and sometime tell How sadly puffed is life with pride, through clippings from an ox's hide. And soon my eyes in double rows, shone from the ankles toward the toes, I felt them all completely through, but kept a "string" on them 't is true. Was boxed at length and lined with felts. French, lifted heels, adjusted welts-- And now you know what happened true, between my hide and your new shoe! |
