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Ancient Poems, Ballads and Songs of the Peasantry of England
Ancient Poems Ballads and Songs of the Peasantry of England Author:Robert Bell Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: There none so ready was as I, To purchase bargains, sell, or buy. At eight times seven I waxed old, And took myself unto my rest, Neighbours then sought ... more »my counsel bold, And I was held in great request; But age did so abate my strength, That I was forced to yield at length. At nine times seven take my leave Of former vain delights must I; It then full sorely did me grieve— I fetched many a heavy sigh; To rise up early, and sit up late, My former life, 1 loathe and hate. At ten times seven my glass is run, And I poor silly man must die; I looked up, and saw the sun Had overcome the crystal sky. So now I must this world forsake, Another man my place must take. Now you may see, as in a glass, The whole estate of mortal men; How they from seven to seven do pass, Until they are threescore and ten; And when their glass is fully run, They must leave off as they begun. THE YOUNG MAN'S WISH. [FROM an old copy, without printer's name; probably one from the Aldermary Church-yard press. Poems in triplets were very popular during the reign of Charles I., and are frequently to be met with during the Interregnum, and the reign of Charles II.] TF I could but attain my wish, ,- I'd have each day one wholesome dish, Of plain meat, or fowl, or fish. A glass of port, with good old beer, In winter time a fire burnt clear, Tobacco, pipes, an easy chair. In some clean town a snug retreat, A little garden 'fore my gate, With thousand pounds a year estate. After my house expense was clear, Whatever I could have to spare, The neighbouring poor should freely share. To keep content and peace through life, I'd have a prudent cleanly wife, Stranger to noise, and eke to strife. Then I, when blest with such estate, Wi...« less