Page:Arraigning and indicting of Sir John Barleycorn (1).pdf/2



HERE was three kings into the eaſt
 * Three king both great and high,

And they hae ſworn a ſolemn oath,
 * John Barleycorn ſhould die.

They took a plough and plough'd him down,
 * Put clods upon his head,

And they hae ſworn a ſolemn oath,
 * John Barleycorn was dead.

But the chearful ſpring came kindly on,
 * And ſhow'rs began to fall;

John Barleycorn got up again,
 * And ſore ſurpriz'd them all.

The ſultry ſuns of Summer came,
 * And he grew thick and ſtrong,

His head weel arm'd wi' pointed ſpears,
 * That no one should him wrong.

The ſober autumn enter'd mild,
 * When he grew wan and pale:

Hiſ bending joints and drooping head
 * Show'd he began to fail.