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User Name Thread Name Subject Posted
delphinium Lyr Req: Spindle, bobbin and spool away (24) Lyr Add: SERVANT GIRL'S HOLIDAY / SERVING GIRL... 07 Dec 02


According to my ears, the words as Maddy Prior sings them are pretty much as transcribed by Lamarca on the previous thread mentioned above.

It looks as if these may be selected verses from a longer poem I found at this web site, which according to the heading, is from "Medieval English Verse", page 224. I wonder if this refers to the Penguin paperback of this title with translations of the old English by Brian Stone. Here are the words (includes some of the "interesting bits" left out by Maddy):

I've waited longing for today:
Spindle, bobbin, and spool, away!
In joy and bliss I'm off to play
Upon this high holiday.

Spindle, bobbin, and spool, away,
For joy that it's a holiday!

The dirt upon the floor's unswept,
The fireplace isn't cleaned and kept,
I haven't cut the rushes yet
Upon this high holiday.

Spindle, bobbin, etc.

The cooking herbs I must fetch in,
And fix my kerchief under my chin.
Darling Jack, lend me a pin
To fix me well this holiday!

Spindle, bobbin, etc.

Now midday has almost come,
And all my chores are still not done
I'll clean my shoes till they become
Bright for a high holiday.

Spindle, bobbin, etc.

In pails the milk has got to go;
I ought to spread this bowl of dough -
It clogs my nails and fingers so
As I knead this holiday!

Spindle, bobbin, etc.

Jack will take me on my way,
And with me he will want to play:
I needn't fear my lady's nay
On such a high holiday!

Spindle, bobbin, etc.

And when we stop beside the track
At the inn this Sunday, Jack
Will wet my whistle and pay my whack
As on every holiday.

Spindle, bobbin, etc.

Then he'll take me by the hand
And lay me down upon the land
And make my buttocks feel like sand
Upon this high holiday.

Spindle, bobbin, etc.

In he'll push and out he'll go,
With me beneath him lying low:
'By God's death, you do me woe
Upon this high holiday.'

Spindle, bobbin, etc.

Soon my belly began to swell
As round and great as any bell;
And to my dame I dared not tell
What happened to me that holiday.

Spindle, bobbin, and spool, away,
For joy that it's a holiday!
^^


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