88. Tom Tell-troth.
1
I love not a cast in the eye,
Nor lead in the edges of Knives:
I love not a man that will lye,
Unless 't be with other mens wives.
2
I love not the ribs of a Lark,
I love not the brains of a Crow,
I love not a Dog that will bark,
Except he will bite also.
3
I love not to sit on a bench
While you put my foot in the Stocks,
But I love a beautiful wench,
Provided she has not the Pox.
4
I care not for hunting the Hare,
I care not for coursing the Coney.
I care not for selling my ware,
If I thought I should get no money.
5
I care not for courting a Witch,
Nor drinking of Milk when 'tis hairy.
I care not for eating of Pitch;
But I love to be drinking Canary.
6
I love merry lads in my heart,
That mirth with their honesty have:
But as for a fool I care not a fart,
And I cannot endure a knave.