This bowse is better than rom-bowse, [4]
It sets the gan a-gigling, [5]
The autum-mort finds better sport [6]
In bowsing than in nigling. [7]
This is bien bowse, etc.
[_She tosses off her bowle, falls back and is carried out_.]
[1: strong ale]
[2: cup or platter]
[3: water; pot]
[4: wine]
[5: mouth]
[6: wife]
[7: fornicating]
"A BEGGAR I'LL BE" [Notes]
[1660--1663]
[A black-letter broadside ballad]
I
A Beggar, a Beggar, a Beggar I'll be,
There's none leads a life more jocund than he;
A Beggar I was, and a Beggar I am,
A Beggar I'll be, from a Beggar I came;
If, as it begins, our trading do fall,
We, in the Conclusion, shall Beggars be all.
Tradesmen are unfortunate in their Affairs,
And few Men are thriving but Courtiers and Play'rs.