The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #1098   Message #1446769
Posted By: A Wandering Minstrel
30-Mar-05 - 07:28 AM
Thread Name: Lyr/Tune Req: Barley Bridge
Subject: RE: Lyr/Tune Req: Barley Bridge
'How many miles to Barley Bridge?
Three score and ten.
Can I get there by candle-light?
Yes, and back again
If your feet be nimble and light
you may be there by candle-light
A curtsey to you, and a curtsey to you,
If you please, will you let the King's horses through?
Through and through shall they go for the King's sake,
But the one that is hindmost shall meet a mistake.
Then open the gates as wide as the sky,
And let the king come riding by.

I think it's Hugh Walpole, but I wouldn't swear to it and he may be quoting something older.