From the Bodleian Library ballads collection, Vet. A3 b.43(1v); Douce Ballads 1(17a) is nearly identical:


The Beggars
CHORUS,
In the Jovial Crew.
To an Excellent New Tune.

[1] There was a jovial Beggar, he had a wooden Leg;
Lame from his Cradle, and forcéd for to Beg.

[CHORUS] And a Begging we will go, we'll go, we'll go,
And a Begging we will go.

[2] A Bag for my Oat-meal, another for my Salt,
A little pair of Crutches to see how I can halt. And a Begging, &c.

[3] A Bag for my Bread, another for my Cheese,
A little Dog to follow me to gather what I leese. [or "leefe"?] And a Begging, &c.

[4] A Bag for my Wheat, another for my Rye,
A little Bottle by my side to drink when I'm adry. And a Begging, &c.

[5] To Pimlico we'll go, where merry we shall be,
With ev'ry Man a Can in's Hand, and a Wench upon his Knee. And a Begging, &c.

[6] And when that we are disposéd, we tumble on the Grass,
With long patch'd Coats for to hide a pretty Lass. And a Begging, &c.

[7] Seven Years I servéd my old Master Wild;
Seven Years I beggéd, whilst I was but a Child. And a Begging, &c.

[8] I had the pretty knack for to wheedle and to cry;
By young and by old, much pitied e'er was I. And a Begging, &c.

[9] Fatherless and Motherless still was my Complaint,
And none that ever saw me, but took me for a Saint. And a Begging, &c.

[10] I begg'd for my Master, and got him store of Pelf;
But Jove now be praiséd, I now beg for my self. And a Begging, &c.

[11] Within a hollow Tree I live, and pay no Rent;
Providence provides for me, and I am well content. And a Begging, &c.

[12] Of all Occupations a Beggar lives the best;
For when he is a weary he'll lie him down and rest. And a Begging, &c.

[13] I fear no Plots against me, but live in open Cell;
Why who wou'd be a King, when a Beggar lives so well? And a Begging, &c.