John Barleycorn: A Ballad（1 / 2）

john barleycorn: a ballad

there was three kings into the east,

three kings both great and high,

and they hae sworn a solemn oath

john barleycorn should die.

they took a plough and plough'd him down,

put clods upon his head,

and they hae sworn a solemn oath

john barleycorn was dead.

but the cheerful spring came kindly on,

and show'rs began to fall;

john barleycorn got up again,

and sore surpris'd them all.

the sultry suns of summer came,

and he grew thick and strong;

his head weel arm'd wi' pointed spears,

that no one should him wrong.

the sober autumn enter'd mild,

when he grew wan and pale;

his bending joints and drooping head

show'd he began to fail.

his colour sicken'd more and more,

he faded into age;

and then his enemies began

to show their deadly rage.

they've taen a weapon, long and sharp,

and cut him by the knee;

then tied him fast upon a cart,

like a rogue for forgerie.

they laid him down upon his back,

and cudgell'd him full sore;