Songs of the Cattle Trail and Cow Camp · Chapter
To Hear Him Tell It explained
The narrator invites an old Texas cowman for a drink, and the cowman launches into a long, nostalgic monologue about the early days of cattle ranching, trailing herds north, fighting Indians, and how things have changed.
What happens
The narrator invites an old Texas cowman for a drink, and the cowman launches into a long, nostalgic monologue about the early days of cattle ranching, trailing herds north, fighting Indians, and how things have changed. The narrator grows weary and is relieved when the cowman is called away by a woman. The narrator vows never to hail old timers for drinks again.
Themes in this chapter
Nostalgia and Loss
The old cowman repeatedly contrasts the 'good ol' early days' with the present, lamenting the loss of the open range and the old ways.
Community and Camaraderie
The poem centers on a shared drink and the swapping of yarns, highlighting the social bonds among cowmen.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
The narrator who hails the old cowman for a drink and listens to his long story.
- Old Shorty
The old Texas cowman who reminisces about the early days of ranching.
Key passages
“I was just about to take a drink— I was mighty dry— So I hailed an old time cowman Who was passing by”
The narrator was thirsty and invited an old cowboy for a drink.
Opening scene setting up the encounter.
“Lordy, I kin remember Them good ole early days When we ust t’ trail the herds north ’N forty different ways.”
The cowman nostalgically recalls the early days of driving cattle north along many different trails.
Key nostalgic reflection.
“Son, I’ve fit nigh every Injun That ever roamed the plains, ’N I was one o’ the best hands That ever pulled bridle reins.”
The cowman boasts of having fought many Native Americans and being a skilled rider.
Reflects the cowboy's bravado and historical conflicts.
“Then a woman yelled, “You come here, John!” And Lordy! how he flew! And the last I heard as he broke and ran Was, “Now I’m tellin’ you!””
A woman called the cowman away, and he hurried off, still repeating his catchphrase.
Comic ending to the cowman's long story.