They take great liberties with me,
Nor ever ask me yea or nay.
I’m just as weary as can be
From prancing on a screen all day.
I’ve dug, and climbed, and laughed, and wept,
Loitered, and danced to make a show;
And not a moment have I slept.
They keep me always on the go.
No choice is mine. I needs must move,
Swiftly, obedient, silently.
No fields of freedom do I rove.
My course is parceled out for me.
But this I cannot quite forget
--If I can wake some old refrain
Or still a rush of wild regret,
I shall not then have toiled in vain.