Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1918.djvu/114

 ALEXANDER MONTGOMERIE

Syne groom is that gay is On blonkis that brayis With swordis assay is: The nicht is neir gone.

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��WILLIAM STEVENSON

57 Jolly Good Ale and Old

CANNOT eat but little meat, My stomach is not good, But sure I think that I can drink

With him that wears a hood. Though I go bare, take ye no care,

I nothing am a-cold, I stuff my skin so full within Of jolly good ale and old.

Back and side go bare, go bare,

Both foot and hand go cold,

But, belly, God send thec good ale enough,

Whether it be new or old.

I love no roast but a nut-brown toast,

And a crab laid in the fire, A little bread shall do me stead;

Much bread I not desire. No frost nor snow, no wind, I trow,

Can hurt me if I wold, I am so wrapped and thoroughly lapp'd Of jolly good ale and old.

Back and side go bare, go bare, &c. 56 blonkis] white palfieys.

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