Page:Roger of Coverly, or, Monsieur come if ye dare.pdf/8

 Then for the Fair away I goes,

And left them cleaning of their clothes;

Old Granny she kept grumbling there.

She'll go no more to see the Fair.

At ev'ry house I turn'd my head,

I saw the tables they were spread.

With veal and chickens, beef and ham,

The visitors did stuff and cram,

Tea, toast, and butter went to rak.

The farmer's wives were full of clack.

The brandy bottle it was there,

To accomodate them at the Fair.

O there were many stalls and toys,

Rattling drums and shouting boys,

Some with heads dressed but no smock,

I tell you friends it is no joke.

Punch and his wife at the puppet shew,

Kings, Queens and Princes all in a row.

The showmen bawling—Shew'em in there,

'Tis the grandest show in all the Fair.

Each public-house was cramming full.

And not a soul I could see dull,

Dancing, singing, and cracking nuts,

And some were stuffing of their guts:

The Landlords they took care withal,

To mix the strong bear with the small;

Short measure also they prepare,

Which is the custom of the Fair.