In the Middle of the Road

O, the sleddin's gettin' ragged and it's dodge and skip and skive,
Till it's jest an aggravation for to try to start and drive.
Fust to this side, then to t'other--here some ice and there some snow,
--Just continyal gee and holler; fust "Giddap," and then it's "Whoa!"
Takes a half a day to git there, round by way o' Robin Hood;
Like as not ye'll bust your riggin' haulin' out your hay and wood.
'Tain't no way o' doin' bus'ness; 'tain't no way to haul a load,
--You must do your hefty haulin' in the middle of the road.
If ye want to keep a-hoein'
Better wait for settled goin',
For twice the heft goes easy in the middle of the road.
O, in dealin's with your neighbors, brother, sure as you're alive,
It's better to go straight ahead and never skip or skive.
For the man who keeps a-dodgin' back and forth across the way
Like enough will find his outfit in the gutter, stuck to stay.
Till the road is clear and settled, till with candor in your heart
You can see your way before you, guess ye hadn't better start;
For to get there square and easy; and to lug your honest load,
You'll find it's best to travel in the middle of the road.
--So's to make an honest showin'
Better wait for settled goin',
Then, s'r, hustle brisk and stiddy in the middle of the road.