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But, quoth the Miller, it will be a jeer,
If that we in public do let it appear;
To fare both our credits, and bring it to pass,
I have in the meadow a dainty she ass,
That will appear better the bond for to fill,
For the lend of the ass you must give me the mill.
Fal lal de ral, etc.
Well said, says the Landlord, that will end the strife,
But you know that my meaning's to ly with your wife.
Indeed, says the Miller, you shall have your delight,
But who shall we get this bond for to write;
As fortune would have it the Parson came by,
The Landlord he saw him, and to him did cry.
Fal lal de ral, etc.
Kind Sir, here's a bond I beg you will fill,
That I give to this Miller a good water mill,
And quit him the rent for two years past,
And all for the lending to me his she ass,
That is a good act the Parson did say,
The bond I will fill without more delay.
Fal lal de ral, etc.
When the Miller the bond in his pocket had got,
Took leave of his Landlord, & homeward did trot,
He whistled and sung, and laugh'd in his sleeve,
To think how his Landlord he meant to deceive,
The bond is secure, the bargain is fast,
Instead of my wife he shall have my she ass,
Fal lal de ral, etc.
The Gentleman he was as brisk as an eel,
And soon the next morning some courage did feel;
He call'd to his man, and he gave him a glass,
Saying, Go to the Miller and fetch his she ass,
Now mind that you get your story quite pat,
He'll know what you mean, but-mum for ill that.
Fal lal de ral, etc.
