( 24 )
The scratches like as dreadful stripes
they cry'd we cannot stand;
Sure these are some enchanted pipes,
the devil is at hand.
Ay, so he is, I do suppose,
the old wife then reply'd
For there's a bell upon my nose,
I know not how 'tis tied.
The thoughts of it do me provoke,
for why, alas I fear
My spectacles they will be broke
With so much bubbing here.
They danc'd along I know not how
at length young Jack he brought 'em
All through a dirty slimey flow,
said she, I now have taught them
A trick for playing of the game,
closs by the highwayside;
They shall be punished for the same
I will be satisfy'd.
Still he did pipe and they did skip,
it filled him with laughter,
He over a large river leapt,
and they came souncing after,
Through all the flowing water where
they wash'd themselves all o'er;
Then honest Jack he did declare,
he'd punish them no more,
He parted them and said farewell,
now you have wash'd your clouths;
But yet he left the little bell,
at the old woman's nose.
They went trudging dropping dry
quite from top to toe;
The old wife did often cry,
adds foot, I do not know
What I shall do with this small bell,
it bobs from side to side?
