There Was an Old Miller (3)

There was a rich miller in London did dwell
Gee whaxey gee daxey de di do
He had three sons and he used them well
Gee whaxey gee daxey de di do

The old miller took sick and was liable to die
He called his sons," Come hither, come hi."

He called unto his oldest son
Saying,"Son, oh son, my race is done."

"And if it's with you the mill I do leave
Please tell me off what toll you'll have."

"Oh father, oh father you know my name it is Heck
And out of each bushel I'll take the peck."

"Out of every bushel that I do grind
It will make me as good a living as I can find."

"Oh son, with you I will not leave the mill
For out of such toll you cannot live."

* * *
"And you won't do as your father has done."

He called unto his second son
Saying,"Son, oh son, my race is done."

"And if it's with you the mill I do leave
Please tell me off what toll you'll have."

"Oh father, oh father you know my name it is Ralph
And out of each bushel I'll take the half."

"Out of every bushel that I do grind
It will make me as good a living as I can find."

"Oh son, with you I will not leave the mill
For out of such toll you cannot live."

* * *
"And you won't do as your father has done."

He called unto his youngest son
Saying,"Son, oh son, my race is done."

"And if it's with you the mill I do leave
Please tell me off what toll you'll have."

"Oh father, oh father you know my name it is Roy
And stealing corn I do enjoy."

"I'll steal the corn and swear to the sack
And whip the boys when they come back"

Oh son, with you I will leave the mill
For out of such toll I know you can live."

"And you will do as your father has done.
And he willed the mill to his youngest son."

From Ozark Folk Songs, Randolph
Collected from Charles Ingenthron, MO 1940
DT #348
Laws Q21
RG
Apr98