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EBBA 37693

British Library - Collection of 225 Ballads
Ballad XSLT Template
ROGER'S Delight:
OR,
The WEST-Country Christning and Gossiping.
To an Excellent New Tune: Or, Cold and Raw.
Licensed according to Order

.

WHen Sol had left his weary Teams,
and turn'd his Steeds a grazing,
Ten Fathom deep in Neptune's Streams,
he his Thetis lay Embracing;
The Stars tript in the Firmament,
like School-Boys on a Play-day;
The Country Lasses a Mumming went,
like Milk-Maids on a May-day.

Then a-pace grew on the grey Morn,
when the Herds-mans Flocks were Lowing,
And amongst the Poultry in the Barn,
The Plow-man's Cocks were Crowing;
Whilst Roger he dreamt of Golden Joys,
was wak'd by a Revel rout, Sir.
But Cicely he tells him she needs must rise,
for his Juggy was crying out, Sir.

Not half so merry the Cup went round,
as the Tapping of good Ale-Ferkin,
Then Roger his Hose and Shooes had found,
and button'd his Leathern Jerkin;
Grey Mare was Saddel'd with wondrous speed,
with Pillion and Buttock a-right, Sir,
And for an old Midwife away he rode,
to bring the poor Kid to light, Sir.

Oh good Mother! I pray get up,
for the Fruits of my Labour it's now come,
And there it lyes struggling in Juggys Womb,
but it cannot get out till you come.
I'll help her, quoth the old Hag, ne'er doubt,
thy Juggy shall be well again, Boy,
And Ise warrant that Ise get the Kid out
as well as thou gottest it in, Boy.

Gray Mare they mount, and away they ride,
no Whip nor Spur was wanting;
As soon as the old Hag entred the Room,
then Hoop cry'd out the Bantling:
A Female Chit, so small it was born,
you might put it into a Flaggon,
And it must be Christen'd that very Morn,
for fear it should dye a Pagan.

Then Robin and Doll, with constant Kate
were Gossips for this great Christ'ning,
And the geud Wives did merrily prate,
whilst Juggy in Bed lay listning:

They talk'd of this, and they talk'd of that,
of Chatting they were not sparing;
Some said it was so small a Brat,
that hardly it was worth the rearing.

Then Roger he started about the Hall,
as great as the Prince of Conde;
What if her parts they are but small,
they will be bigger one day:
What if her Legs and Thighs lyes close,
as little as any Spider,
You need not fear, e'er seventeen years,
she'll lig them a little wider:

For then she'll be a Woman grown,
I'll lay Five pounds in Money,
And have a little one of her own,
as well as Jug my Honey:
These will be joyful days to see,
I'll study for to advance her,
That Juggy may a Granny be,
then I shall be a Grandsire.

The Nappy Ale went fairly round,
as brown as any Berry,
With which the good Wives being Crown'd,
they all was brisk and merry;
Whilst Roger he turn'd Cups over his Thumb
to every honest Neighbour,
Saying, A Twelve Month hence pray come,
once more to my Juggys Labour.


Printed for P. Brooksby, at the Golden Ball in Pye-Corner.

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