The Crafty Ploughboy (Mr Whitby)
Good people attend and soon you shall hear;
it's of an old farmer in Lincolnshire. A Yorkshire boy kept he for his man, for to do his business as you shall understand. Now early one morning he called for his man to go to the Fair, as you shall understand, saying, 'Boy, the old cow you shall take to the Fair, for she is in good order and her I can spare.' Away the boy went with the cow in hand to go to the Fair as you shall understand. As he was a-going he met with three men, and he sold his old cow for six pound and ten. Away they went to the alehouse to drink, where the men paid down to the boy his chink. There sat an old highwayman drinking of wine; said he to himself, 'All that money is mine.' The boy unto the landlady did say, 'What am I to do with my money, I pray?' 'Sew it in your coat-lining,' the lady did say, 'for fear you should be robbèd upon the highway.' Now as this young boy he was walking home this highwayman he followed him quite soon. 'O how far are you going?' the highwayman said, 'Four miles and further,' the young boy replied.. 'Will you get up behind me?' the highwayman said. 'How far are you going?' replied the lad. 'Three or four miles, for what I do know', so he jumped up behind and away they did go. They rode till they came to a green-shaded lane. 'O now my little boy I must tell you it plain. Deliver up your money without any strife, or this very minute I'll make an end of your life.' When he found that he had no time for dispute, so quickly alighted without fear or doubt. From inside his coat he tore the money out, and amongst the long grass he scattered it about. The highwayman he jumped from his horse, and little he thought that it was to his loss, for while he was gathering the money from the grass, to make him amends he rode off with his horse. The highwayman shouted and begged him to stay; the boy wouldn't hear him, but kept on his way, and to his old master, the boy he did bring horse, saddle and bridle, a very nice thing. Now as the boy John he was riding home, the servant was standing all in the front room. She runs to her master, says she, 'Here's a loss,' says she, 'The old cow has turned into a hoss.' When the saddlebag was opened, within was a hole; they took sixty pounds out in silver and gold. says the boy to the master, 'I hope you'll allow that master, dear master, I've well sold your cow.' The boy for his courage and valour so rare, three parts of the money he got for his share. and since the highwayman lost all his store, he may go robbing until he gets more. |
Musical Links:
Nicky's backing track to sing a long to The Crafty Ploughboy Listen to Nicky singing and playing The Crafty Ploughboy |