A PEPYSIAN GARLAND - online book

Black-letter Broadside Ballads Of The years 1595-1639

	63 A goodfellow's complaint Pepys, i, 438, B.L., four woodcuts, four columns. This "pussyfoot" complaint should be compared with Edward Culter's (No. 27). It is worthy of notice that "honest Jack," the goodfellow, re­forms not because of moral or religious scruples, but simply because he has no money with which to buy strong beer—"a good cause why," as he truly remarks. Similar in idea and expression is "Wade's Reformation" {Bagford Ballads, 1, 6) with the refrain, "And 'tis old Ale has undone me." The date is perhaps about 1630. The tune appears to be unknown. To the Tune of a day will come shall pay for all. 1     ALL you good fellowes who loue strong beere, In time be warned the same to flee For I can make it plaine appeare How tis strong beare that has vndon me. 2    I vsd all company to keepe, Which was my downfall now I see For pouertie on mee doth creepe, And tis strong beerre1 that has vndon mee. 3    I once enioyed both house and land, But now 'tis2 otherwise you see, My moneys spent my cloathes are pawnd: And tis strong beere that has vndone mee. 1 Sic.                            2 Text t'is.
	361