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On Friday, see you do not fail
to meet me at that place;
The court I know will hear my tale,
and bring thee to disgrace.
Then quoth the lad, as for my part,
a fig for future sorrow.
I'd meet you there with all my heart
if Friday was tomorrow.
On Friday when the court was set,
the dancing fryar came,
And Jack his holy father met,
and likewise his step-dame.
The people all both far and near,
came flocking to the place,
They being all resolv'd to hear
poor Jack the piper's case.
Some causes there was read that day,
against both priest and clerk,
And of young girls that run astray,
with gallants in the dark.
The proctors they all busy were,
Jack's step mother went in,
So did the fryar; standing there,
his tale he did begin
A wicked boy I here have brought,
I pray take him in hand,
For he has my destruction wrought,
as you shall understand.
He is a witch, I know it well,
a little devil too,
If there be e'er a one in hell;
for he has made me rue.
The step-mother did then complain,
about a minute after,
But soon her bum did trump amain,
which set all in a laughter.
The proctor said, speak on good wife,
and never blush for this,
