All Under the New Mown Hay

As I was going over the fields
(Mark you well what I do say)
As I was going over the fields
A fair pretty lass came close to my heels
Which caused me to go a-screwin'
And brought me to my ruin,
Which caused me to go a-screwin'
All under the new-mown hay.

When nine long months was over, you see
(Mark you well what I do say)
When none long months was over, you see
She placed a little one on my knee
Oh! No more I'll go a-screwin etc.

And now this child will want a nurse
(Mark you well what I do say)
And now this child will want a nurse
Which causes me to pull out my purse,
Oh! no more etc.

And now this child must go to school (similarly)
Or else he'll die a natural fool,
Oh! no more etc.

And now this child is like to die
I am so sorry I cannot cry,
Oh! Again I'll go a-screwin'
For that's not been my ruin etc.

And now this child is dead, you see,
There's plenty more beer and tobacco for me
Oh! Again etc.

From Wanton Seed, Purslow
RG
APR99