Origins: The Farmer and the Draper

Subject: Origins: The Farmer and the Draper
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 28 Feb 14 - 01:28 PM

I'm looking for information on this - any help would be much appreciated.
It was given to us by an old singer from the west of Ireland who says she heard it when she was a young girl, from a man who learned it from the Grandfather of a local publican, which would probably place it some time in the middle of the 19th century.
Thanks
Jim Carroll

The Farmer And The Draper
One morning as I went out walking, it being in the month of May,
I heard a curious contest between a farmer and draper by trade.
I drew not hear them contesting, said I, 'Young men what do you mean?'
The draper he quickly made answer, 'He is taking my sweetheart from me.

'Twould be better for her to be with me, I'd dress her in silks and fine shawl;
Than be drudging with him in his farm, feeding his pigs and his calves.
What comfort she'd have every morning, and this I would have you to know,
While the draper his wife are embracing, the farmer to plough he must go.'

The farmer arose in a bustle saying, 'You cockle, you fool and you knave!
Why should she be for your intention, to live in a shop like a slave.
I've all things at hand in their season, and plenty for stock in my barn.
In my kitchen I keep beef and bacon, with servants to wait on her call.

Whilst you will be flashing your laces, your ribbons and great cotton balls,
And the ropes hanging down by the windows and the blankets spread over the wall.'
Says the draper 'This goading is tedious, I'll make this fair lady my own.
We'll fight with a pair of shillelagh, I'll make you to rue or else go.'

They fought for an hour courageous, 'til both of their weapons they broke.
They caught by the waist of their britches 'til the draper was forced to give o'er.
This damsel stood still at them gazing, to know who was the best at the stroke,
She shouted a loud acclamation and gave them a dram of good soak.

Five hundred pounds was the portion, and a farm to plough of his own.
So let us drink long life to the farmer, and fill up the crúiscín once more.

Subject: RE: Origins: The Farmer and the Draper
From: GUEST,Reinhard
Date: 28 Feb 14 - 03:27 PM

Dialogue between a farmer and draper at Broadside Ballads Online

Subject: RE: Origins: The Farmer and the Draper
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 01 Mar 14 - 09:43 AM

Reinhard - our singer seems to have the only oral version
Many thanks for your effort
Jim Carroll