Page:Merry piper, or, The popish fryar & boy.pdf/8

 This was a fit of merriment,
 * which caus'd a deal of laughter!

Far why a fryar in his gown,
 * bestride the red cow's back

And so went dancing thro,thro' [sic] the town,
 * after the wag young Jack.

Unto the close he led them straight,
 * to take their night's repose,

So having lock,dlock'd [sic] and barr'd the gate,
 * he homeward piping goes:

Now when the hall he did come near
 * to pipe he did forbear,

Because his loving father dear,
 * he sat at supper there.

Father said he, this summer's day,
 * with care I keept your nout,

And I am almost starv'd I say,
 * for nothing have I eat;

At noon I sat me down indeed,
 * upon a little hill,

My food was bad, I could not fedd,
 * so I am fasting still.

The 'Squire took a capen hot,
 * and gave it to his son,

Saying, thou shalt not be forgot,
 * good service hast thou done.

The boy began to play his part,
 * and tore it limb from limb:

The step-mother was vex'd at heart,
 * for still she hated him.

Then with a scornful envious eye,
 * upon the lad she frown'd;

With that a cracker she let fly,
 * it seem'd to shake the ground:

She blush'd, while they made pleasant sport;
 * the little boy reply'd,

My mother has a good report
 * you hear, at her back side.