Of all the trades in old England, the begging is the best
For when a beggar's tired, he can sit him down & rest

And to a begging I will go, to the begging I will go

There's a poke for me oatmeal, & another for me salt
I've a pair of little crutches, 'tha should see how I can hault

& a -

There's patches on me fusticoat, there's a black patch on me 'ee
But when it comes to tuppenny ale, I can see as well as thee

My britches, they are no but holes, but my heart is free from care
As long as I've a bellyfull, my backside can go bare

There's a bed for me where 'ere I like, & I don't pay no rent
I've got no noisy looms to mind, & I am right content

I can rest when I am tired & I heed no master's bell
A man ud be daft to be a king, when beggars live so well

Oh, I've been deef at Dokenfield, & I've been blind at Shaw
And many the right & willing lass I've bedded in the straw