Recorded on Folk Legacy by Margaret Christl & Ian Robb.

(from memory)

There was an old farmer in Yorkshire did dwell,
Had Jack for a servant - and that you know well.
The cows being gathered, he had one to spare.
Says:"Johnny, my boy, you must go the the fair".

cho: and sing fal-de-rol-day

So in through the glaire and out through the glen,
Jack led the cow on with a rope in his hand.
And on the way there, he met with 3 men,
And he sold them the cow for 16 pound-ten.

sing fal-de-rol-day

"When come to an old woman, he to her did say,
"Where shall I put all me money away?"
"Into you coat lining" to his she did say,
"For fear on the road, some robber might be!"

sing fal-de-rol-day

A little bit further, came to a dark lane,
And out jumped a robber, I'll tell you in plain.
"Deliver your money without any strife,
Or with this broad sword, I'll take your sweet life!"

sing fal-de-rol-day

Ripped open the lining, the money fell out,
And down on the ground it went rolling about.
While the robber was picking it up in his purse,
Jack made no delay, but leapt on his horse.

sing fal-de-rol-day

The robber bawled out- he bade Jack to stay.
Jack made no reply, but sped on his way.
Straight home to his own master's house he did go,
With a saddle & bridle instead of a cow.

sing fal-de-rol-day

His master came out all in a great rush:
Says "Johnny, me boy, me cow's turned to a horse!"
"Oh master, oh master, your cow I have sold,
"But I have been robbed of the silver & gold!"

sing fal-de-rol-day

Ripped open the saddle, and there to behold;
Five thousand pounds in silver & gold!
Besides, two brass pistols- and the farmer did vow:
"Johnny, me boy, you have well sold the cow!"

sing fal-de-rol-day

"And so, for your brave and your honorable day,
"Half of this money shall come to your pay!
"Besides, me own daughter to be your sweet wife.
"And she shall be yours, all the days of your life!"

and sing fal-de-rol-day

(when singing this, I always assume the old woman TOLD the robber where to look... and that they were probably related)

(also... I am always bemused at songs & stories where girls were given as prizes. In this case, I assume the farmer wanted to keep ALL the money 'in the family'.)