A PEPYSIAN GARLAND - online book

Black-letter Broadside Ballads Of The years 1595-1639

	THE HONEST, PLAIN-DEALING PORTER 7   My calling's honest, good and iust, well worthy to be put in trust, I am a Porter my habit showes, my trade I doe not care who knowes, I am a man that's borne to beare, I cary burthens farre and neere, By which an honest meanes is got, thus need doth make the old wife trot. 8   When some who knew me rich before, doe shun to meet me now I'me poore, I dare to looke them in the face, because my calling is not base. For of all men we Porters be good vnderstanding men you see, Then though I labour blame me not, for need will make the old wife trot. 9    OUch pleasure in my worke I find, O that I Hue more content in mind, To earne my liuing with my hands, then when I liued vpon my lands. For many cares are incident to wealthy men, when sweet content Doth fall vnto the meane mans lot, though need doth make the old wife trot. io When I doe meet with any friend, I seldome want a penny to spend, Which brings me to a good report, because I Hue in honest sort, Ide rather earne my liuing deare, then steale or beg for bread or beere, For charity is cold God wot, when need doth make the old wife trot. 367