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Which done he put it up again,
secure from any sight
Saying his hunger should remain,
till he came home at night.
He sat upon hill hard by,
to pass the time away;
At length an aged man drew nigh,
whole palsey head was grey.
God save thee, son, the man reply'd,
and shield the from all ill;
Thank you, father, the lad cry'd,
for all your kind good will.
Quoth he, I am a palmer poor,
lad hunger is my grief.
Then hast thou any food in store,
to yield me some relief?
The boy said, father, since you crave
that small request of me,
To such poor victuals as I have,
right welcome you shall be.
The little boy his denner drew,
and gave it the old man,
Saying, dear father, pray fa oo
eat freely if you can
He was not very hard to please,
but fed with muckle joy;
Now when his stomach was at ease,
he thank'd the little boy.
And since, thou didst not refuse
to do what thou hast done.
Three things, whatever you choose,
I'll give to thee, my son.
The first thing I'd have you bestow
on me without dispute,
Pray let it he a cunning bow,
with which I birds my shoot.
Thou shalt have a bow;
I have it here in store my son,
