A PEPYSIAN GARLAND - online book

Black-letter Broadside Ballads Of The years 1595-1639

	THE FAMOUS RAT-CATCHER
	13     IN France when he ariued, the heat so much perplext him, That all his Pouch did swell so much, and Poyson so had vext him. That scarce could he cry, a Rat tat tat. tara Rat, euer: To catch a Mouse, or to carouse, Such a Ratter I saw neuer. 14   At last, as Witches common, must vse anothers ayding: So did this Ratter, tell the matter to another of's owne trading. And then did he cry, a Rat tat tat. &c. 15   Who vsing many Simples, to quench his fiery burning: Did make him daunce cleane out of France, And home hee's now returning. And still doth he cry, a Rat, i$c. 16   At Douer he ariued, and Kent hath had his cunning: The Maydens Lappes like poysoned Rattes repent his backe-home comming. For still doth he cry, a Rat, &c. 17   At Grauesend 'mongst the Maydens, Greene sicknesse reign'd so briefly, None could haue cure, but such as sure would take his Potions chiefly. And still doth he cry, a Rat, &c. 18   The Shippe wherein he sayled, ere he on shore ariued, Reports him that he kild a Ratte, that nere will be reuiued. And still doth he cry, a Rat, &c. 64