 | Brother Fabian's Manuscript |  |
48
A CHARM.
When at Easter on thy lea
First thicklegged lamb thou see,—
If upon the greenwood side
Brock or crafty fox be spied,
Goodman, turn thy money!
First thicklegged lamb thou see,—
If upon the greenwood side
Brock or crafty fox be spied,
Goodman, turn thy money!
If the magpie or the jay
Or the lapwing cross thy way,
Or the raven from his oak
Ban thee hoarsely with his croak,
Goodman, turn thy money!
Or the lapwing cross thy way,
Or the raven from his oak
Ban thee hoarsely with his croak,
Goodman, turn thy money!
If when at the hearth thou sit
Spark from out the fire should flit,—
If when wintry tempests beat
Candle wear a winding-sheet,
Goodman, turn thy money!
Spark from out the fire should flit,—
49
Candle wear a winding-sheet,
Goodman, turn thy money!
If the wizard's ring appear
Round the moon, or if thou see her
Full or new,—or, worse mishap,
New with old upon her lap,
Goodman, turn thy money!
Round the moon, or if thou see her
Full or new,—or, worse mishap,
New with old upon her lap,
Goodman, turn thy money!
If the salt thou chance to spill,
Token sure of coming ill,—
If thirteen sit down to sup
And thou first have risen up,
Goodman, turn thy money!
Token sure of coming ill,—
If thirteen sit down to sup
And thou first have risen up,
Goodman, turn thy money!
Goodman true, wouldst fend thyself
From witchcraft and midnight elf?
Wouldst thou dree no faery harm?
Keep in mind my simple charm,
Goodman, turn thy money!
From witchcraft and midnight elf?
Wouldst thou dree no faery harm?
Keep in mind my simple charm,
Goodman, turn thy money!
50
Goodman, learn my charm and verse!
Learn to carry poke or purse!
And, that not in vain thou learn,
Somewhat keep therein to turn!—
Goodman, turn thy money!
Learn to carry poke or purse!
And, that not in vain thou learn,
Somewhat keep therein to turn!—
Goodman, turn thy money!
Quoth Fabian.
| Brother Fabian's Manuscript | |