I am having problems trying to access search results, so I will post this anyway. I know that there are existing versions in the database, and threads on its origins, but I can't see them at present!

(Don't know if there is much merit in this version.) I have left in the mis-spellings (that's my excuse)!

[Note - insert the name of the current town in the indicated places]

THE RIGS AND SPREES OF THIS TOWN, OR POP GOES THE WEASEL
(anon, undated)

Come all you lads and lasses gay, and listen with attenti[o]n
And the sprees of ______ town, I presently will mention
With Jack & Will & Tom & Bill and Mr[a]ry Teasle
I took a move into _____ town and there I popt the Weasel

And now I've got into _____ town, beleive me what I say, sir,
With the pretty girls in this place I'll have some gallant play, sir
I can dance and sing merry be & play with Mary Teasle
And when we get in to the dark pop will go the Weasel

There's tradesman here of every kind and some that fond of firing
And the pretty girls in this town I'm sure they are admiring
And when the dance is does begin they come with master Teasel
And before they go home at night I'm sure they'll pop the Weasel

Now you can pop the Weasel Bet and so can Nell and Kate then
But in nine months my darling girls how sad will be your fate then
You will curse the day that you did play Along with Roger Teasel
Or on the grass you tumbled down and learnt to pop the Weasel

Now Nelly she does rue the day and so does Mary Ann, sirs,
Look at the size you may easy tell the thing that I do mean sir
The other night in going home, along with Farmer Teasel
We had not got far from the town before pop went the Weasel

You may talk about the jolly lads, that comes to ____ town, sirs
They are the lads I do declare to do the thing that brown sirs
They can walk out and take the arm of young Miss Lady Teasle
And before they do return again they play pop goes the Weasel

Now pop the Weasel Bet and Jack pop it in and out then
Pop the Weasel Joe and Bet don't let them pull it out then
When going home, now don't you stop along with Master Teasel
Or you will rue the day you learnt to dance pop goes the Weasel

I'll end my song it is not long but tell you in a trice, sirs
I'd have you all both great and small just take some good advice sirs
When homeward bound don't tumble down, along with Master Teasle
Or he will spoil your muslin gown when dancing pop goes the Weasel

Transcribed from a copy in the Bodleian Ballad Library
NHJ