From the Bodleian collection. These lyrics are mostly from Harding B 15(330a), but I have borrowed a few phrases from other broadside versions where they improve the meter. I have also modernized the spelling and punctuation.


THE THRASHING MACHINE

1. It's of a young farmer near ----, 'tis said,
And he had a servant, a blooming young maid.
Her name it was Molly; though scarcely sixteen,
She could work very well at the thrashing machine.

2. Her master said, "Molly, the times they are hard,
And if you will go with me into the farm yard,
I will harness young Dobbin--you know what I mean--
I think we can manage the thrashing machine."

3. Young Molly said, "Master, what will mistress say?"
Said he, "Never mind; she is making of hay,
And while she is tossing the grass that is green,
Why, we can be working the thrashing machine."

4. The barn door being opened, young Dobbin stood outside.
The farmer got in the machine for to ride.
Young Molly said, "Master, you thrash very clean.
I see you can manage the thrashing machine."

5. Now Dobbin being tired of going around,
He hung in the traces and bowed to the ground.
Though once in good order, he's now thin and lean
Through working so hard at the thrashing machine.

6. The farmer got out and around him he feels.
Says he, "I must rest," so he blocked up the wheels.
Young Molly led Dobbin so sprightly and keen,
And he pushed again at the thrashing machine.

7. Young Molly said, "Master, you've had a great loss.
I think you require a much stronger horse.
If Dobbin was strong, as before he has been,
We then could keep working the thrashing machine."

8. When six months was over, mark what befell:
Young Molly's front parlour it began for to swell,
And very soon after she had, to be seen,
For the fruits of her toil, a young thrashing machine.