Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1918.djvu/115

 WILLIAM STEVENSON

And Tib, my wife, that as her life

Lovcth well good ale to seek, Full oft drinks she till ye may see

The tears run down her cheek: Then doth t-he trowl to me the bowl

Even as a maltworm should, And saith, 'Sweetheart, I took my part

Of this jolly good ale and old.'

Back and side go bare, go bare, &c.

Now let them drink till they nod and wink,

Even as good fellows should do; They shall not miss to have that bliss

Good ale doth bring men to, And all poor souls that have scour'd bowls

Or have them lustily troll'd, God save the lives of them and their wives, Whether they be young or old.

Back and side go bare, go bare;

Both foot and hand go cold,

But, belly, God bend thee good ale enough,

Whether it be new or old.

��ANONYMOUS (SCOTTISH)

1 6th Cent

5<? When Flora had O'erjret the Firth

^UHEN Flora had o'crfret the firth

In May of every moneth queen; Quhen merle and mavis singis with mirth Sweet melling in the shawis sheen,

5<? o'erfret] adorned, shawis] woods. sheen] beautiful.

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