Ali-be-dared and the Lady–from-Spain

Slowly along with a saddle they shared

Trod the poor tired donkey and Ali-be-dared.

With dust in their mouths and dust in their clothes

And dust in their eyelids and between their toes.

The hot sun beat down and the dry breezes blew

And Ali-be-dared said “What shall we do?”

“Not a person for miles, no water is near

We’ll both die of thirst in an hour, I fear”

And though, more he though. And though, more he saw

All the poor donkey answered was “Hee Haw! Hee Haw!”

And then in the distance behind a slight swell

Stood a little mud house, a man and a well.

“Goody,” cried Ali. “We’re saved now at last

We’ll hurry to yonder spot double quick fast.”

But as they drew close they saw with a start

That the man was tearing his jacket apart

“Good man,” cried Ali. We’re dying of thirst

Unless we have water we surely shall burst

“Stop ripping your coat” the poor donkey stared

For the man cried and sobbed and we cared and he teared.

“That you’re tired and worn and thirsty is plain

But first we must rescue the Lady-from-Spain

There were fifty and twenty, they stole her away

With trousers of green and horses of gray.”

“They went to the East. No, they went to the west

I guess if we follow the north would be best.

“I’m so darn mixed up and plainly I’m scared”

He picked up his jacket and he teared and teared.

Said Ali, “Their footsteps go Southward, I see

They’re taking the Lady-from-Spain to the sea.”

So without any water to lessen their pain

The donkey and Ali took off ore’ the plain

They galloped and galloped and panted from strain

As they hurried to save the poor Lady-from-Spain!

And soon Ali saw on horses of gray

Fifty and twenty fast fleeing away.

And right at the head on the horse of the chief

Rode the Lady-of-Spain sobbing with grief

He drew forth his sword and put down his head

And swing right and left till the foes cried with dread

We’ve battled with hundreds and never been scared

But we are no match for Ali-be-dared.

So they left the poor lady and galloped away

With their trousers of green on their horses of grey

“That’s good,” said Ali the enemy’s fled

But we’re both so thirsty we’re practically dead.

Then he stopped for he saw her lovely and vain

With her hide flashing eyes, the Lady-from-Spain”

“Well, Well she sputtered you sure took your time

This rescuing service is not worth a dime

The way I’ve been treated is really a crime

How can I get back, I will not stay here

And I surely can’t walk when shoes are so dear”

“I have just this donkey” said Ali-be-dared

“but he’s trusty and true and much trial we’ve shared”

“I suppose I’ve no choice but he’s sure lean and lanky”

Said the Lady-from-Spain, and I’ll bet that he’s cranky.

And though, more he thought and though more he saw

All the poor donkey said was “hee haw! Hee haw!”

So Ali dismounted and the lady got on

Then she pulled on the reins and cried “let us be gone”

Thirsty and tired, weary and wane

Went donkey and Ali and the Lady-from-Spain

“You sure do walk slow” she whined with a sneer

“this hot sun will ruin my hairdo, I fear.”

I need something shady, an umbrella would do

Now why didn’t you think to bring one with you.

“I’m sorry” said Ali I sure should have thought.

But this hanky would do as likely as not.

Yes, it will do though its faded and plain

It could surely be better” said the Lady-from-Spain

So hanky tied head held high in disdain

She rode on and on her eyes flinching in pain.

“This donkey is bumpy the road is too long

I’d feel much better if you’d sing me a song.”

I’m tired and thirsty and dusty it’s true

But I’ll sing if a song will help comfort you.

So worn out and weary neath the heat of the day

Ali sang on as they went on their way

And tho more he thought and tho more he saw

All the poor donkey said was “Hee Haw – Hee Haw.”

They finally arrived at the house on the sand

“At last you’ve returned!” cried the poor mixed-up man.

“Dear lady, I hope you aren’t ill from the strain”

And he helped her get down, the Lady-from-Spain

“I’m really so tired I scarcely can speak

This donkey’s rough walking has left me quite weak.

She turned to face Ali, the Lady-from-Spain.

“tomorrow you may take…?????…”

No thank you said Ali, we have got to be gone.

If we could just have some water we won’t tarry long.

You’re welcome to water. Go on and take it,

But use your own can, don’t drink from the bucket.

She turned on her heel and went into the house

The mixed-up-man followed as meek as a mouse.

Ali drew water and they both drank their fill

Then they started and again to climb over the hill.

“She’d be a lot better off if only she’d smile

And nod and say thank you once in a while.

She’s ungrateful and spoiled. To me that is plain.

I sure do feel sorry for the Lady-from-Spain.

And off to the East with a saddle they shared

Trod the poor tired donkey and Ali-be-dared.

And though more he thought and though more he saw.

All the poor donkey said was “Hee Haw—Hee Haw.”