She began to cry, when suddenly the
Devil appeared, and agreed to put up a bridge that night on conditions
named in the legend:
"To raise a bridge I will agree.
That in the morning you shall see.
But mine for aye the first must be
That passes over.
So by these means you'll soon be able
To bring the pony to his stable.
The cow her clover."
In vain were sighs and wailings vented,
As she at last appeared contented.
It was a bargain--she consented--
For she was Yorkshire.
Now home she goes in mighty glee.
Old Satan, too, well pleased he
Went to his work, sir.
He worked hard all night, and early in the morning the bridge was made,
as the old woman knew by the terrible noise. He called to the old woman
to come over, but she brought her little mangy dog, and, taking a bun
out of her pocket, threw it over the bridge. The dog ran over after it.
"Now--crafty sir, the bargain was
That you should have what first did pass
Across the bridge--so now--alas!
The dog's your right."
The cheater--cheated--struck with shame.
Squinted and grinned: then, in a flame
He vanished quite.
[Illustration: EBBING AND FLOWING WELL.
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