A Saw Mill Yarn
I owned sawmill in Michigan,
Which by water power ran;
Buzzsaw possessed mighty power,
Thousands of feet it cut each hour.
Mills could compete with it were few,
It cut plank that were four feet through;
Most of the mills were drove by steam,
But mine was drove by a big stream.
One morning when I started mill,
With wonder soon my mind doth fill,
For I was there then all alone,
With fear I was forced to groan,
When I saw big bear touch its paw
Against the swift running buzzsaw;
Its foot in moment it did tear,
And this it did enrage the bear.
The bear was now roused to fury,
It would be both judge and jury;
Rushing on it with open jaws,
And for to crush it with its paws.
Most wondrous sight I ever saw,
It cut through centre of its jaw;
Saw’s speed for moment did not fail,
Cutting through its back bone and tail.
In two the bear it did divide,
One half did lay upon each side;
Carcass we froze and fresh bear steak
We enjoyed many a week.
We sewed together the bear’s hide
Where the saw did skin divide;
In winter warmly now I ride,
’Neath bear skin famous far and wide.
Mill cogs and shafts they ran with ease
When lubricated with bear’s grease;
I never shall forget strange freak,
Brought nie bear’s skin and grease and steak.