
Transcribed from the 1876 edition by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org. Many thanks to Bradford Local Studies for providing the copy from which this transcription was made. Also to Keighley Local Studies for supplying the title page (the Bradford copy lacks the title page).
RANDOM RHYMES AND RAMBLES.
INTRODUCTION.
Random Rhymes AND Rambles. - Come Nivver De e Thee Shell.
Oud Betty’s Advice.
The Fugitive: a Tale Kersmas Time.
Sall at Bog.
Th’ Furst Pair o’ Briches.
Fra Haworth ta Bradford.
O, Welcome, Lovely Summer.
A lively, handcrafted miscellany of verse and prose invites listeners into the modest yet sincere world of a 19th‑century poet‑scribbler. The author’s playful dialect, peppered with Scots‑like hodgepodge and Yorkshire twang, gives each rhyme a homespun rhythm that feels both intimate and oddly musical. From earnest advice to a hopeful “onward!” chant, the pieces wobble between gentle comedy and heartfelt encouragement.
Interwoven among the lyric fragments is a brief, warm‑hearted tale set on a cold Christmas Eve, when a weary traveler seeks shelter from a snow‑laden night. The modest household’s kindness unfolds in simple, vivid language, revealing a glimpse of generosity that steadies the listener in a world of modest hardships. The narrative’s tone remains humble, focusing on the immediate encounter rather than any grand resolution.
These pages capture the charm of an untrained yet earnest creator, whose raw sincerity and quirky humor make the collection a refreshing escape for anyone who appreciates the honest voice of everyday folk.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (140K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2012-03-19
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1836–1897
A lively Yorkshire dialect poet with a knack for turning local history and everyday characters into memorable verse, he wrote with humor, energy, and a strong sense of place. His work still offers a vivid window into 19th-century Keighley and the people who filled its streets, mills, and railways.
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