The Poetical Works of John Skelton :: :: University of Virginia Library

The Poetical Works of John Skelton

principally according to the edition of the Rev. Alexander Dyce. In three volumes

Skelton, John (1460?-1529)

II.

A RYGHT DELECTABLE TRATYSE VPON A GOODLY GARLANDE OR CHAPELET OF LAURELL,

SPEKE, PARROT.

HERE AFTER FOLOWETH A LYTELL BOKE, WHICHE HATH TO NAME WHY COME YE NAT TO COURTE?

SKELTON, LAUREATE, &c

A LAWDE AND PRAYSE MADE FOR OUR SOUEREIGNE LORD THE KYNG.

POEMS ATTRIBUTED TO SKELTON.

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MANERLY MARGERY MYLK AND ALE.

Ay, besherewe yow, be my fay,
This wanton clarkes be nyse all way;
Avent, avent, my popagay!
What, will ye do no thyng but play?
Tully valy, strawe, let be, I say!
Gup, Cristian Clowte, gup, Jak of the vale!
With, Manerly Margery Mylk and Ale.

Be God, ye be a praty pode,
And I loue you an hole cart lode.
Strawe, Jamys foder, ye play the fode,
I am no hakney for your rode;
Go watch a bole, your bak is brode;
Gup, Cristian Clowte, gup, Jak of the vale!
With, Manerly Margery Mylk and Ale.

I wiss ye dele vncurtesly;
What wolde ye frompill me? now, fy!
What, and ye shalbe my piggesnye?
Be Crist, ye shall not, no hardely;
I will not be japed bodely:
Gup, Cristian Clowte, gup, Jake of the vale!
With, Manerly Margery Mylk and Ale.

Walke forth your way, ye cost me nought;
Now haue I fowned that I haue sought,
The best chepe flessh that euyr I bought.
Yet, for His loue that all hath wrought,
Wed me, or els I dye for thought!
Gup, Cristian Clowte, your breth is stale!
Go, Manerly Margery Mylk and Ale!
Gup, Cristian Clowte, gup, Jak of the vale!
With, Manerly Margery Mylk and Ale.