From the Omaha Daily Bee, January 21, 1913. By Minna Irving. The day was bright and sunny, And business going well. But Reuben in his office A prey to dreaming fell. He thought of woods and meadows With all their sylvan charm. “Good bye, old town,” he murmured, “For Reuben buys a farm.” He found a roomy dwelling With roses round the door. A covered well behind it, A picket fence before. And ancient apple-orchards Where sang, secure from harm, An orchestra of robins, So Reuben bought the farm. But getting up so early To milk by lantern-light, And feed the pigs and chickens, Was not unmixed delight. A pain was in his shoulder, A cramp was in his arm, And life was full of trouble For Reuben on the farm. He loved his growing garden And pleasant pasture lands; But not his aching muscles And badly blistered hands. The household gathered round him And viewed him with alarm. “We all,” they said, “should hustle When Reuben buys a farm.” Now Paul attends the horses, The cows are Mary’s care, The pigs and geese and chickens Jeannette’s attention share. And George in ducks discovers A never-failing charm. So everybody’s happy While Reuben runs the farm.