Ballads, etc. 201 There were few graziers went on the way, But unto the Cripple for passage did pay, And every brave merchant that he did descry, He emptied their purses ere they did pass by. The noble Lord Courtney, both gallant and bold, Rode forth with great plenty of silver and gold. At Exeter there a purchase to pay. But that the false Cripple the journey did stay. For why, the false Cripple heard tidings of late. As he sat for alms at the nobleman's gate ; This is, quoth the Cripple, a booty for me. And I'll follow it closely as closely may be. Then to his companions the matter he mov'd. Which their false actions before had prov'd ; They make themselves ready, and deeply they swear The money's their own before they come there. Upon his two stilts the Cripple did mount. To have the best share it was his full account. All clothed in canvass down to the ground. He took up his place his mates with him round. Then came the Lord Courtney with half-a-score men. Yet little suspecting these thieves in their den. And they perceiving them come to their hand. In a dark evening bid them to stand. Deliver thy purse, quoth the Cripple, with speed. We be good fellows and therefore have need, Not so, quoth Lord Courtney, but this I'll tell ye. Win it and wear it, else get none of me. BB
