Page:Merry piper, or, The popish fryar & boy.pdf/22

 Who power hath to take them off,
 * or fix them on again.

Come tell me what the last most be,
 * my boy and pretty bird,

For sure the number most be three,
 * according to my word

The lad he made him this reply,
 * all cuckolds far and near;

When they my merry pipe draw nigh,
 * let them with horns appear;

Whenever they are dancing led
 * in strange and various forms,

I wish to graft upon each head
 * a lusty pair of horns;

That I hereby may cuckolds, know
 * from other honest men,

The hermit cry'd, it shall be so,
 * thou hast three wishes then,

Go on and prosper with them all,
 * right happy shalt thou be,

For there is none alive that shall
 * enjoy such charms but thee,

I thank you father for your love,
 * I have my hearts desire;

And make no question but to prove
 * Vexations to the Friar.

My stepmother I'll not excuse.
 * the proctors nor their clerks,

Nor any that shall me abuse,
 * I'll frolick with the sparks,

Your kindness let me gratify,
 * here take this good old groat;

And till the very day I die,
 * you shall be in my thought.

He took the groat and then reply'd,
 * this does much comfort yield,

You're welcome father, Jack he cry'd,
 * and so he trudg'd the field.