The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #4816   Message #27691
Posted By: Bill D
07-May-98 - 11:08 PM
Thread Name: Folk songs appropriate for medical students
Subject: Lyr Add: THE FOUR ABLE PHYSICIANS^^
The complete verses to the song above...sorry I lost track of finishing it...from a set of records of Elizabethan bawdy songs put out by Oscar Brand in the 60s...There was also a songbook published with most of the songs in it...I have the book and the condensed set of records...

THE FOUR ABLE PHYSICIANS

You maidens and wives and young widows rejoice
Declare your thanksgiving with heart and with voice
Since waters were waters, I dare boldly say
There ne'er was such cause for a thanksgiving day

"From fair London town, there have lately come down,
"Four able physicians who never saw gown"
"Their physic is pleasant, their dosage is large
"And you may be cured without danger or charge"

"They have a new drug that is called the close hug
Which will mend your complexion, and make you look smug
A sovereign balsam which, once well applied
Though grieved at the heart, the patient ne'er died

In the morning you need not be robbed of your rest,
For in your warm beds this physic works best
And though, in the taking, some stirring's required,
The motion's so pleasant, you cannot be tired.

"On your back you must lie, with your belly raised high
And one of these doctors must always be nigh
Who still will be ready to cover you warm
For if you take cold, all physic doth harm.

On silver or gold they never lay hold
For what comes so freely should never be sold;
Then join with the doctors and heartily pray
Their power of healing will never decay.