The Barley Straw

So it's of a jolly old farmer
Lived in the West Country
He had the finest daughter
That ever my eyes did see

It's of a rich young squire
Was living there close by
And he found he couldn't be easy
Until he had a try

So he dressed himself as a tinker
And travelled on his way
Until he came to the farmer's house
Was standing there close by

“Oh, have you got any kettles
Or pots or pans to mend?
Oh, have you any lodgings
Me bеing a single man?”

Oh no,” replied this prеtty fair maid
“No pots, no pans to mend
Nor have we got any lodgings
You being a single man”

“But then,” replied this pretty fair maid
Not thinking any harm
“You can stay with us for just tonight
If you sleep in our old barn”

So after tea was over
She went to make his bed
The tinker followed after
To steal her maidenhead

The tinker, being in bed
Jumped up and barred the door
And she slept all night in the tinker's arms
Among the barley straw

“Now since you've slept all night with me
Don't think me none the worse”
He put his hands in his pocket
Pulled out a heavy purse

“Here's fifty pound I will give you
To pay the nurse's fee
And if ever I come this way again
Fair maid, I'll marry thee”

“So now you cannot marry me now
Come tell to me your name
Likewise your occupation
And from where and whence you came”

He whispered low into her ear
“They call me Davy Shore
And if ever I come this way again
Remember the barley straw”

Now seven month being over
And nine month being come
This pretty little fair maid
Was the mother of a son

Her father cried, “Oh daughter dear
Who has done you this wrong?”
“I'm afraid it was the old tinker
Who slept in our old barn”