or
_The Couragious Farmer of_ Gloucester-shire
shewing
How this huffing Spark went down into those Parts, Challenging any one
at all sorts of Weapons; and at length (was) shamefully Conquer'd by a
Country Farmer.
To the Tune of _The Spinning Wheel_.
Licensed according to Order.
You that delight in merriment, [88.]
be pleased attend a while,
I hope to give you all content,
this very Song will make you smile;
'Tis of a Fencer brave and bold,
adorn'd with rich embroider'd Gold.
This Spark in pomp, and rich array,
from _London_ rid with right good will,
That he young Lords might learn to play
all sorts of Weapons by his skill;
And whereso e'er this Fencer came,
the drum, and trumpet blaz'd his fame.
This huffing Fencer, fierce and Stout,
to _Gloucester_ City did repair,
And for a Sign he then hung out
a Sword of grand Defiance there;
The which a Farmer did espy,
as he by Chance was passing by.
The jolly Farmer brisk and bold,
as soon as he the Sword beheld,
He cry'd what is there to be sold?
what! is your Room with Rapiers fill'd?
The Valiant Fencer did reply
I come my Valour here to try.
[Illustration]
With that he did his Rapier shake,
and said let who will here arrive,
I do a noble Challenge make,
to fight the stoutest man alive:
The Farmer said I'll answer thee,
if that you dare to Cope with me.
The Fencer cry'd, you sorry knave,
here by this Rapier in my hand,
I'll send the to thy silent Grave,
against my force no Clown can stand;
It shall be try'd the Farmer cry'd,
I value not your huffing Pride.
Next Morning they a Stage prepare,
the drums did beat and trumpets sound,
Right joyfull tydings to declare,
this Gallant trac'd the City round,
Dress'd in his Shirt of Holland fine,
with Sword that did like Silver shine.
The Stage he mounted brisk and gay,
and eke the Farmer straight likewise;
To whom the Huffing Spark did say,
of you I'll make a Sacrifice;
This work in short I will compleat,
you should have brought a Winding Sheet.
No more of that, but let's fall to,
I hope to make my Party good;
And e'er this World I bid adieux,
who knows but I may let you blood;
With that he cut him o'er the Face,
and thus began the Spark's Disgrace.
But when they came to Quarter Staff,
the Farmer bang'd the Spark about;
Which made all the Spectators laugh,
and with Huzzas they all did shout;
He made his Head and Shoulders sore,
he ne'er had been so thrash'd before.
Thus fairly did he win the day,
which put the Fencer in a Rage,
Who through the Crowd did sneak away,
while the stout Farmer kept the Stage;
Huzzas of joy did echo round,
while he with Victory was Crown'd.