EBBA 35474 - UCSB English Broadside Ballad Archive

EBBA 35474

Houghton Library - Hazlitt EC65

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The Batchelor's wish or the fair maids answer

I Am a brisk young Bauchelor

And fain would have a Wife Sir,

That I may lie as snug as a Pig

In her Bosom all the Night Sir.

I am weary with Kissing of other Mens Wives

It makes my Pockets grow empty

Therefore i will have a Wife of my own

Since pritty Maids are Plenty

A Taylor had a young handsom Wife

And i did love her dearly

I often play'd with her Gopy-hold

And i paid for it severely

I am wea[r]p etc.

I once liv'd with a Wist Country Lord

And fairly Kisst his Lady

And now he has brougt his Horns to Town

And looks as great as may be

Kissing is but a foolish thing

Where the Women is a Stranger

And he that lies with another Mrns Wife

Do's he in a great deal of Danger

My Shirts do's all to ruin run

They are all upon the rending

And thro' my breeches you may see my Bum

indeed for want of mending

i will have a brisk young Country Girl

That understands no [?]

i'll turn her out to work for me

While i lie a bed in a Morning

When Married shall live a Heavenly Life

No more i neeb go sneaking

To cut a slice off another Mans Loaf

And to pay so dear for Eating

And now these Cald long Winter Nights

i in my Bed lie freezing

if i had a Wife warm my Feet

it would be very pleasing

if she'll find Money to pay the Nurse

i'll get her Children plenty

For i want a Wife to fill my Puree

For now it ii grown empty

So if there is e're an industrious Wife

That is willing for to Marry

Here is a Batchelor ready at Hand

That will no longer tary

i assi wary with Kissing other Mens Wives

It makes my Pockets grow empty

Thirefore i will have a Wife of my own

Since pritty Maids are plenty

The Maidens Answer

Since young men think that Maids are fond

Because they say they're plenty

And here is one puts up for a Wife

whose Pockets are grown empty

Young Maidens are not so hasty to wed

if ever we happen to Marry

we will have a Husband to bring us in Bread

Or else we longer will tarry

He brags of Kissiing of other Men's wives

Cuckolds he has made great store Sir.

There is li[t]tle hopes when he is wed

He still will follow a whore Sir.

His Breeches are tore behind and before

And his pockets are grnwn empty

He wants a Wife for to mend up his Rags

And to bring him in Money plenty

Young Maidens they are not so hasty to wed

if ever we happen to marr[y]

we will have a Hesband to bring us in Bread

Or else we longer will tarry