T' Calf

LILE bonnie calf I hand-reared
  When t' white cow wur taken away,
Thoo followed me round our fold-yard
  Like a puppy at play.

Thoo butted at red-brown calves
  Of thi sproutin' horns so proud;
If I forgot to let thee out,
  Thoo blared so loud.

How pleasant those buttercup hours
  When I pulled thi saft ears,
While gossiping Dallow Water
  Chuckled ower its low weirs.

At anchor, awaitin' flood-tide
  I hear furrin cattle moan,
If only I heard thee blarin’,
  Lile bonny calf of my own.