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6 KING JOHN AND THE |
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" The following is chiefly printed from an ancient black-letter copy, to the tune of Derry-dotcn."
An ancient story He tell you anon
Of a notable prince, that was called King John ;
And he ruled England with maine and with
might, For he did great wrong, and maintein'd little
right
And He tell you a story, a story so merrye, « Concerning the Abbott of Canterburye; How for his house-keeping and high renowne, They rode poste for him to fair London towne.
An hundred men, the king did heare say, The abbot kept in his house every day ; 10
And fifty golde chaynes, without any doubt, In velvet coates waited the abbot about.
" How now, father abbot, I heare it of thee, Thou keepest a farre better house than mee ; And for thy house-keeping and high renowne, is I feare thou work'st treason against my crown."
" My liege," quo' the abbot, " I would it were
knowne I never spend nothing, but what is my owne ; And I trust your grace will doe me no deere, For spending of my owne true-gotten geere." 20 |
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