Page:Merry piper, or, The popish fryar & boy.pdf/24

 The scratches like as dreadful stripes
 * they cry'd we cannot stand;

Sure these are some enchanted pipes,
 * the devil is at hand.

Ay, so he is, I do suppose,
 * the old wife then reply'd

For there's a bell upon my nose,
 * I know not how 'tis tied.

The thoughts of it do me provoke,
 * for why, alas I fear

My spectacles they will be broke
 * With so much bubbing here.

They danc'd along I know not how
 * at length young Jack he brought 'em

All through a dirty slimey flow,
 * said she, I now have taught them

A trick for playing of the game,
 * closs by the highwayside;

They shall be punished for the same
 * I will be satisfy'd.

Still he did pipe and they did skip,
 * it filled him with laughter,

He over a large river leapt,
 * and they came souncing after,

Through all the flowing water where
 * they wash'd themselves all o'er;

Then honest Jack he did declare,
 * he'd punish them no more,

He parted them and said farewell,
 * now you have wash'd your clouths;

But yet he left the little bell,
 * at the old woman's nose.

They went trudging dropping dry
 * quite from top to toe;

The old wife did often cry,
 * adds foot, I do not know

What I shall do with this small bell,
 * it bobs from side to side?