The poem
It's mighty quiet in the house Since Mary Ellen quit me cold; I've swept the hearth and fed the mouse That's getting fat and overbold. I've bought a pig's foot for the pot And soon I'll set the fire alight; Then I may eat or I may not, Depends upon my appetite.
Since Mary Ellen left me lone I haven't earned a bloody bob. I sit and sigh, and mope and moan, And bellyache I quit my job. My money's mostly gone,--I think I ought to save it up for food . . . But no, I'll blow it in for drink, Then do a bunk for good.
I watch my mouse his whiskers preen; He watches me with wicked glee. Today--oh God! It's years sixteen Since Mary Ellen wed with me. Oh how the dear girl hated vermin! She left rat poison on the shelf . . . Friend Mouse, your doom I new determine Then--how about myself?