Page:Six most excellent songs.pdf/2



 ALLEN-A-DALE.

Allen-a-dale has no faggot for burning,

Allen a-dale has no furrow for turning,

Allen-a-dale has no fleece for the spinning;

Yet Allen-a-dale has red gold for the winning.

Come read me my riddle, come hearken my tale,

And tell me the craft of bold Allen-a-dale.

The Baron of Ravensworth prances in pride,

And he views his domain upon Arkindale side,

The mere for his net, and the lamb for his game,

The chase for the wild, and the park for the tame;

Yet the fish of the lake, and the deer of the vale,

Are less free to Lord Dacre as Allen-a-dale.

Allen-a-dale was ne’er belted a knight,

Tho’ his spur be as sharp,and his blade be as bright;

Allen-a-dale is no baron or lord,

Yet twenty tall yeomen will draw at his word;

And the best of our nobles his bonnet will veil,

Who at Rerecross or Stanmore meets Allen-a-dale.

Allen-a-dale to his wooing is come;

The mother she asked of his household and home;