Page:Merry piper, or, The popish fryar & boy.pdf/15

 On Friday, see you do not fail
 * to meet me at that place;

The court I know will hear my tale,
 * and bring thee to disgrace.

Then quoth the lad, as for my part,
 * a fig for future sorrow.

I'd meet you there with all my heart
 * if Friday was tomorrow.

On Friday when the court was set,
 * the dancing fryar came,

And Jack his holy father met,
 * and likewise his step-dame.

The people all both far and near,
 * came flocking to the place,

They being all resolv'd to hear
 * poor Jack the piper's case.

Some causes there was read that day,
 * against both priest and clerk,

And of young girls that run astray,
 * with gallants in the dark.

The proctors they all busy were,
 * Jack's step mother went in,

So did the fryar; standing there,
 * his tale he did begin

A wicked boy I here have brought,
 * I pray take him in hand,

For he has my destruction wrought,
 * as you shall understand.

He is a witch, I know it well,
 * a little devil too,

If there be e'er a one in hell;
 * for he has made me rue.

The step-mother did then complain,
 * about a minute after,

But soon her bum did trump amain,
 * which set all in a laughter.

The proctor said, speak on good wife,
 * and never blush for this,