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This was a fit of merriment,
which caus'd a deal of laughter!
Far why a fryar in his gown,
bestride the red cow's back
And so went dancing thro, the town,
after the wag young Jack.
Unto the close he led them straight,
to take their night's repose,
So having lock,d and barr'd the gate,
he homeward piping goes:
Now when the hall he did come near
to pipe he did forbear,
Because his loving father dear,
he sat at supper there.
Father said he, this summer's day,
with care I keept your nout,
And I am almost starv'd I say,
for nothing have I eat;
At noon I sat me down indeed,
upon a little hill,
My food was bad, I could not fedd,
so I am fasting still.
The 'Squire took a capen hot,
and gave it to his son,
Saying, thou shalt not be forgot,
good service hast thou done.
The boy began to play his part,
and tore it limb from limb:
The step-mother was vex'd at heart,
for still she hated him.
Then with a scornful envious eye,
upon the lad she frown'd;
With that a cracker she let fly,
it seem'd to shake the ground:
She blush'd, while they made pleasant sport;
the little boy reply'd,
My mother has a good report
you hear, at her back side.
