THE JOLLY PEDLAR'S PRETTY THING

A Pedlar proud as I heard tell,
He came into a Town:
With certain Wares he had to sell,
Which he cry'd up and down:
At first of all he did begin.

With Ribbonds, or Laces, Points, or Pins,
Gartering, Girdling, Tape, or Filetting,
Maids any Cunny-skins.

I have of your fine perfumed Gloves,
And made of the best Doe-skin;
Such as young Men do give their Loves,
When they their Favour Win :
Besides he had many a prettier Thing
Than Ribbonds, &c.

I have of your fine Necklaces,
As ever you did behold;
And of your Silk Handkerchiefs,
That are lac'd round with Gold:
Besides he had many a prettier Thing
Than Ribbonds, &c.

Good fellow, says one, and smiling sat.
Your Measure does somewhat Pinch;
Beside you Measure at that rate,
It wants above an Inch:
Apd then he shew'd her a prettier Thing,
Than Ribbonds, &c.

The Lady was pleas'd with what she had seen.
And vow'd and did protest;
Unless he'd shew it her once again,
She never shou'd be at rest:
With that he shew'd her his prettier Thing
Than Ribbonds, &c.

With that the Pedlar began to huff.
And said his Measure was good,
If that she pleased to try his stuff,
And take it whilst it stood :
And then he gave her a prettier Thing,
Than Ribbonds, &c.

Good fellow said she, when you come again.
Pray bring good store of your Ware;
And for new Customers do not sing,
For I'll take all and to spare:
With that she hugg'd his prettier Thing
Than Ribbonds, &c.

Compare the Gingerbread texts with the song above from Pills to Purge Melancholy (1720), vi. 248.