Part 32 (1/2)

THE BOULD YEOMAN [Notes]

[1842]

[By PIERCE EGAN in _Captain Macheath_].

I

A chant I'll tip to you about a High-pad pal so down, [1]

With his pops, and high-bred prad which brought to him renown; [2]

On the road he cut a dash, to him 'twas delight!

And if culls would not surrender, he shewed the kiddies fight! [3]

With his pops so bright and airy, And his prad just like a fairy, He went out to nab the gold! [4]

Derry down, down, derry down,

II

He met a bould yeoman, and bid him for to stand; ”If I do, I'm d.a.m.n'd!” said he, ”although you cut it grand.

I'm an old English farmer, and do not me provoke I've a cudgel, look ye here, it's a prime tough bit of oak!

And I'll give you some gravy, [5]

Of that I'll take my davy, [6]

If you try to prig my gold [7]

Derry down.”

III

Then the High-toby gloque drew his cutla.s.s so fine; Says he to the farmer, ”you or I for the s.h.i.+ne!”

And to it they went both, like two Grecians of old, Cutting, slas.h.i.+ng, up and down, and all for the gold!

'Twas cut for cut while it did last, Thras.h.i.+ng, licking, hard and fast, Hard milling for the gold. [8]

Derry down.

IV

The High-pad quickly cut the farmer's towel in twain-- [9]

Pulled out his barking-iron to send daylight through his brain; [10]

But said he I will not down you, if you will but disburse Your rowdy with me, yeoman--I'm content to whack your purse! [11]

Down with the dust, and save your life, [12]

Your consent will end our strife, Ain't your life worth more than gold?

Derry down.

V

Hand up the pewter, farmer, you shall have a share [13]

A kindness, for a toby gloque, you must say is rare; That's right--tip up the kelter, it will make my bones amends, [14]

And wherever we may meet, farmer, we'll be the best of friends!