Page:Merry piper, or, The popish fryar & boy.pdf/5

 Which done he put it up again,
 * secure from any sight

Saying his hunger should remain,
 * till he came home at night.

He sat upon hill hard by,
 * to pass the time away;

At length an aged man drew nigh,
 * whole palsey head was grey.

God save thee, son, the man reply'd,
 * and shield the from all ill;

Thank you, father, the lad cry'd,
 * for all your kind good will.

Quoth he, I am a palmer poor,
 * lad hunger is my grief.

Then hast thou any food in store,
 * to yield me some relief?

The boy said, father, since you crave
 * that small request of me,

To such poor victuals as I have,
 * right welcome you shall be.

The little boy his denner drew,
 * and gave it the old man,

Saying, dear father, pray fa oo [sic]
 * eat freely if you can

He was not very hard to please,
 * but fed with muckle joy;

Now when his stomach was at ease,
 * he thank'd the little boy.

And since, thou didst not refuse
 * to do what thou hast done.

Three things, whatever you choose,
 * I'll give to thee, my son.

The first thing I'd have you bestow
 * on me without dispute,

Pray let it he a cunning bow,
 * with which I birds my shoot.

Thou shalt have a bow;
 * I have it here in store my son,