Page:Merry piper, or, The popish fryar & boy.pdf/10

 And drove the cattle through the parks,
 * away to the field he goes,

The fryar did not rise to soon,
 * 'cause of the morning air;

But yet before it was high noon,
 * he ran and found him there.

For all alone this little lad,
 * was standing by his cows;

The fryar he was raving mad,
 * and knit his ragged brows.

Said he, young villain blush for shame;
 * why do you silent stand?

What have you done to your step dame,
 * come tell me out of hand?

Now if yourself you cannot clear,
 * take nottice it is so;

I'll make a cripple of you here,
 * you shall not stand or go.

The boy reply'd don't threaten me,
 * nor make so much ado;

My step mother, I know what she
 * is, full as well as you.

Sir fryar, be not in a rage,
 * nor such hard things report,

For tho' I am of tender age
 * I'll shew you pleasant sport.

Stand by, and you shall see me shoot,
 * yon pheasant of the tree;

The mark I'll hit without dispute,
 * and give the bird to thee.

'This pretty pheasant perching fat,
 * 'upon a thorny briar,

'Now Jack he had no sooner shot,
 * 'but straightway ran the fryar.

'He being eager of his prey,
 * 'did to the bush advance;

'Jack on his pipe began to play,
 * 'which made him skip and dance.