Classic Poem

Come all you lads of high renown and listen to my story,
For now the time is coming on that is all to your glory;
For Jumping Joan is coming here the statutes to admire,
To see the lads and lasses standing waiting to be hired.

So to the hirings we have come, all for to look for places,
If with the master we agree and he will give good wages.

The master that a servant wants will now stand in a wonder;
You all must ask ten pounds a year and none of you go under.
It's you that must do all the work, and what they do require,
So now stand up for wages, lads, before that you do hire.

There's rolling Gin the hemp will spin and Sal will mind the dairy,
And John will kiss his mistress when the master he is weary.
There's Tom and Joe will reap and mow; they'll thrash and ne'er be tired;
They'll load the cart and do their part, so they're the lads to hire.

There's carter John with whip so long rises early in the morn;
He's always ready at his work before daylight can dawn.
Hey up, gee wo, the plough must go, till he is very weary,
But a jug of ale both stout and stale it soon will make him merry.

There's Poll so red will make the bread, likewise good cheese and butter,
And Bet so thick will spread the rick, she's never in a flutter.
She'll feed the sows and milk the cows and do what she is able;
Although she's mean she's neat and clean, when waiting at the table.

There's black-eyed Fan with the frying pan will cook your eggs and bacon,
With beef and mutton, roast and boiled, if I am not mistaken.
She'll make the puddings fat and good, all ready for your dinner,
But if you grumble when she's done she'll cure you with the skimmer.

The farmer's wife so full of pride must have a lady's maid,
All for to dress and curl her hair and powder it beside;
But the girl of heart to dress so smart, they call her charming Nancy,
She can wink and blink in such a style, she's all the young men's fancy.

And when the mop it is all o'er, you that are young and hearty
Must take your girl all in your hand and join a drinking party;
But when you are returning home, enjoying sweet embraces,
With love and honour spend the night at statutes, fairs and races.