The Farmer's Daughter

The Rector met a little lass Who led a heifer by a rope. Said he: "Why don't you go to Mass? Do you not want to please the Pope?" The village maiden made reply, As on the rope she ceased to pull: "My father said this morning I Must take Paquerette to see the bull." The Rector frowned. ";Tis wrong, I wist To leave your prayer-book on the shelf. Your father has a stronger wrist; Why can't he do the job himself?" Then lovely in her innocence, With gaze as pure as meadow pool, The maid spoke in her sire's defense: "But Daddy, please your Reverence, Would rather leave it to the bull."